South Korean President May Skip China's Victory Day Celebration

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (이재명) is increasingly likely to miss the upcoming Victory Day event in China, scheduled for September 3. The event, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War and the fight against fascism, will take place at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. There are discussions within the ruling party about having National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik (우원식) attend in place of President Lee.

The presidential office is reportedly leaning towards the view that President Lee's attendance could negatively impact the South Korea-U.S. alliance, given the current geopolitical climate. If President Lee were to attend, it could spark controversy over pro-China sentiments and potential rifts in the alliance with the United States. In contrast, if Speaker Woo attends, it may help avoid such controversies while still showing respect to China. Woo previously visited China in February, where he met with President Xi Jinping (시진핑) to discuss participation in APEC and other matters.

However, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong (강유정) stated during a briefing that the decision regarding attendance at the Victory Day event rests with the National Assembly Speaker, and the presidential office does not have the authority to approve or notify such matters. The Speaker's office also indicated that they have not received any proposals or invitations related to the event from the government or China.

In addition, it is expected that President Lee will soon announce a special envoy to be sent to China. Former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok (박병석) is reportedly the leading candidate for this role, along with lawmakers Kim Tae-nyeon (김태년) and Park Jeong (박정), who are recognized as experts on China within the Democratic Party. There is also speculation about the potential inclusion of Noh Jae-heon (노재헌), the son of late former President Roh Tae-woo (노태우) and a former chair of the Cultural and Social Committee of the Korea-China Future Development Committee. The presidential office has stated that the final list of envoys will be announced once it is confirmed.