South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made headlines with his rare press conference in Seoul, where he addressed a range of issues including his party’s recent electoral defeat, the country’s low birthrate, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This press conference marked President Yoon’s first in nearly two years, following his party’s significant loss in legislative elections last month. Acknowledging the shortcomings of his administration, Yoon expressed a commitment to addressing key challenges facing the nation.
On the topic of Ukraine, Yoon emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with Kyiv while navigating a delicate relationship with Russia. He ruled out direct weapons shipments to conflict zones, stating his firm stance against sending lethal arms to countries at war.
In response to South Korea’s alarmingly low birthrate, President Yoon unveiled plans to establish a new ministry dedicated to tackling the issue, which he described as a “national emergency.” With the country’s fertility rate dropping to a record low of 0.72 in 2023, Yoon emphasized the urgency of addressing this demographic challenge.
Despite facing criticism over his leadership style and policy direction, President Yoon remains determined to address pressing issues and lead the country forward. As he navigates domestic and international challenges, Yoon’s presidency continues to be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.