The presidential office flatly refuted the People Power Party's claim that President Lee Jae-myung and the first lady were filming a variety show around the time of last month's National Information Resources Service (NIRS) fire.
On the 3rd, the presidential office said it "expresses strong regret that a far-fetched suspicion was raised, turning a national crisis into political strife," in response to People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jin-woo's allegation that President Lee Jae-myung and the first lady might have been filming a variety show around the time of the NIRS fire.
Kang Yu-jung, Spokesperson for the presidential office, said in a written briefing that this was "a clear dissemination of false information," adding that "we are also considering legal action against Rep. Joo."
Earlier, Rep. Joo wrote on his social media (SNS), "The variety show featuring the president and the first lady will air on the 5th," adding, "Since the teaser dropped yesterday, filming was likely about a week ago."
He continued, "While public damage was mounting due to the NIRS fire, the president stayed silent for a full two days without presiding over meetings or visiting the scene. The lost 48 hours."
Spokesperson Kang said, "At about 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 26 (Fri.), when the fire broke out, President Lee Jae-myung was on the plane returning from attending the U.N. General Assembly," adding, "On the 27th, the senior presidential secretary for public communication also shared the president's directives in a group chat with the press corps."