Cheong Wa Dae says Lee ordered rescue operations for Daegu incident while on golf course

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Yonhap) -- The presidential office confirmed that President Lee Jae Myung was playing golf at Taeneung Country Club in northern Seoul on Saturday when a supermarket ceiling collapsed in Daegu, injuring 38 people. Cheong Wa Dae issued a statement on Sunday explaining that President Lee received detailed updates on the incident while at the golf course and immediately ordered rescue operations.

The presidential office preemptively addressed concerns about Lee's golf outing, stating that it serves diplomatic purposes as Lee may play with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Group of 20 summit in Miami in December. Joo Jin-woo, a member of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), announced plans to hold a press conference to reveal Lee's presence at the golf club during the incident.

Joo criticized the presidential office for only admitting to the outing 10 minutes before his press conference and demanded an apology and investigation. The ruling Democratic Party dismissed Joo's allegations as irresponsible political maneuvering.