In a powerful symbolic gesture, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has officially returned the nation's presidential office to its historic home, Cheong Wa Dae, more than three years after his predecessor controversially abandoned it.
A Presidential Homecoming
On Monday, President Lee commuted to the traditional presidential palace, commonly known as the Blue House, for the first time since taking office in June. This marks the first presidential commute to the site since May 9, 2022, the final day of former President Moon Jae-in's term.
The move reverses a key policy of his ousted predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who relocated the presidential office to a converted building in the Defense Ministry compound in central Seoul shortly after his inauguration. Yoon argued the hillside Cheong Wa Dae was too isolated, spending an estimated $40 million on the move to foster a more 'democratic' presidency.
Erasing a Tumultuous Legacy
President Lee's return to the Blue House is a deliberate effort to distance his administration from the legacy of Yoon, who now faces serious criminal charges. Lee won a snap election in June after Yoon was removed from office.
The removal followed a profound constitutional crisis triggered on December 3, 2024, when the conservative Yoon declared martial law during a standoff with the liberal-controlled legislature. The martial law lasted only hours before lawmakers voted to lift it. Yoon was impeached, removed by a Constitutional Court ruling in April, and re-arrested in July. He now faces charges including rebellion, which carries a potential life sentence or death penalty.
The Blue House Reclaimed
Ahead of Lee's historic commute, officials raised the presidential flag at Cheong Wa Dae at midnight, formally marking its reinstatement. Guards saluted his motorcade as it passed the gates, with supporters waving flags and chanting his name.
The sprawling 250,000 square meter compound, nestled behind Gyeongbokgung Palace in northern Seoul, has served as the primary presidential office since the nation's founding after World War II. After Yoon's relocation, it was opened to the public, drawing millions of tourists.
President Lee's office confirmed he will commute from the current presidential residence until it is moved back to the Cheong Wa Dae grounds at a future date. The administration released video of Lee holding a tea meeting with senior aides in one of the palace's rooms, signalling a new chapter for the iconic address.
