Lee Jae-myung, a candidate in the Democratic Party of Korea presidential primary, expressed on the 18th during the first TV debate that if elected president, he would prioritize using the Yongsan Presidential Office. He added that he would quickly restore the Blue House and return there.
Lee Jae-myung, Kim Kyeong-soo, and Kim Dong-yeon participated in the 'Democratic Party presidential primary candidate debate' held at MBC in Sangam-dong, Seoul, that afternoon.
Candidate Kim Kyeong-soo asked Lee during the political forum, "Since this election is being held as a special presidential election, once the election is over, the president must start duties the very next day. There are various issues at the Yongsan Presidential Office, including security. If elected, where do you plan to start your presidential duties after the election?"
In response, Lee said, "It's a considerable concern, and while it's evident that security issues are serious and there must be a measure in place, it's not appropriate to move to another location right away, so I will initially use Yongsan."
He further stated, "Currently, the presidential office in Sejong is not fully prepared, so my best option for the next stage would be to quickly restore the Blue House and return there."
Lee remarked, "In the long run, although it's another point of contention, there are issues like the constitutional amendment involved, so I am not sure if it's possible, but I believe transferring the presidential office completely to Sejong could be the final destination."
Candidate Kim Kyeong-soo responded, "I believe it would be most desirable for the National Assembly to take the lead, allowing the Assembly Speaker to consult with prominent candidates from the ruling and opposition parties in advance to facilitate the use of either the Blue House or the Government Complex, aside from the Yongsan Presidential Office."
Candidate Kim Dong-yeon expressed a differing opinion from Lee, stating, "I believe there is a second presidential office in Sejong and a cabinet meeting room, so the president could work in Sejong starting the very next day."
He added, "However, I think that if the organizational slim down of the presidential office is achieved simultaneously, then it could be possible to transfer and start working the very next day."