Wi Sung-lac, national security adviser at Cheong Wa Dae, has pushed back against the opposition's criticism that President Lee Jae-myung travels abroad too frequently, calling the issue raised "unfair."

Holding a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae today (October 30), Wi said, "It is unfair to raise issues by arguing that (trips) are exceptionally frequent or questioning why the first lady accompanies him," adding, "This reality will remain the same regardless of who becomes the next president or which administration takes office."

"As South Korea's international stature has risen significantly, there are numerous multilateral occasions throughout the year that our head of state must attend," Wi said, citing summits of the Group of Seven (G7), the Group of 20 (G20), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the United Nations General Assembly.

He explained that visits to countries that requested bilateral meetings are scheduled in conjunction with the timing and regions of these major multilateral diplomatic events, while visits to key partners with close ties, such as the United States, are arranged according to demand.

Wi also added, "Summit diplomacy customarily involves the first lady," noting, "(For instance,) first ladies also attend APEC, and there are dedicated first lady programs."

(Photo courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae, Yonhap News)