# South Korean President Lee Jae-myung controversy > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261031-south-korean-president-lee-jae-myung-controversy > Updated: 2026-10-31T01:01:08.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. President Lee Jae-myung has faced political scrutiny regarding his travel itineraries and scheduling. Initially, allegations surfaced concerning a canceled three-day golf trip to Jeju. Aviation notices indicated requests for airspace control near Seogwipo golf courses, but these plans were abruptly canceled. Critics, including Representative Choi Eun-seok, alleged that disorganized scheduling related to this trip contributed to significant flight delays at Jeju International Airport. Following this, opposition members during a National Assembly audit questioned the frequency of the President’s overseas visits, noting he had traveled to 23 countries across 14 trips. The opposition also raised questions regarding the frequent accompaniment of First Lady Kim Hye-kyung on these missions. President Lee defended his schedule, stating that his diplomatic itineraries involve high-intensity work and arguing that the outcomes of such diplomacy are best understood by those present. National Security Advisor Wi Seong-rak supported the President, stating that South Korea’s international status requires regular participation in multilateral forums and that it is customary for a First Lady to accompany a president on such missions. Controversy intensified after President Lee posted comments on X regarding the criticism of his travels. Responding to allegations that his trips were excessive, he stated, “people see only what they know,” and added, “in the eyes of a Buddha, only Buddhas are seen, and in the eyes of a pig, only pigs are seen.” The People Power Party condemned these remarks as an insult to the public, questioning if the President views all criticizing citizens as “pigs.” Additionally, opposition members questioned the effectiveness of his diplomacy, suggesting his attendance at cultural events in France and Mexico resembled tourism. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism defended the trips, describing the Mexico visit as a symbolic public diplomacy effort. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-31: South Korean President Lee sparks controversy with SNS remarks President Lee Jae-myung sparked a political clash after using a metaphor about pigs and Buddhas to dismiss opposition criticism regarding the frequency and nature of his recent overseas diplomatic visits. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jin-seong-jun-receives-us-visa-for-pacific-command-visit ### 2026-10-20: President Lee Jae-myung faces scrutiny over canceled Jeju golf trip President Lee Jae-myung faces criticism after airspace control requests for a Jeju golf trip were abruptly canceled, amid allegations of scheduling confusion and flight delays at Jeju International Airport. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-lee-jae-myung-faces-scrutiny-over-canceled-jeju-golf-trip --- Cite as: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261031-south-korean-president-lee-jae-myung-controversy