Korean President Faces Backlash Over Viral Dinner Clip Showing Woman Pouring His Drink
The video, captured during a public dinner event in Gwanghwamun, shows President Lee passing a bottle of soju to a woman beside him without a word. She then proceeds to pour a drink into his glass. The incident, widely shared on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), sparked debate on the outdated gender roles still present in Korean social culture.
Critics argued that the scene reinforces the antiquated notion of women serving drinks to older men during company dinners — a dynamic many young Korean women reject.
“Why couldn’t he pour his own drink after making his own soju-bomb?” one user asked.
“I’ve worked at male-dominated companies for years, but I’ve never seen someone hand a bottle like that at a company dinner,” another commented.
“If you’re a woman, seeing this photo and not feeling uncomfortable would be strange,” a third user added. “Imagine your company CEO in President Lee’s place — and you’re the one beside him.”
Despite the backlash, others defended the president’s actions as friendly and informal, seeing the gathering as a welcome break from stiff protocol.
“Even if just a good friend poured me a drink, I’d be happy. Imagine the president!” one user wrote.
“This is a humble, down-to-earth president. It’s just dinner on a Friday — what’s wrong with that?” another argued.
President Lee later shared photos from the event on his official Facebook page, writing,“It was meaningful to meet citizens face-to-face and hear their stories about the economy and rising prices.” He added, “Reviving local neighborhoods is crucial for our economy.”
He also used the post to promote the upcoming Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons, set to launch on July 21, which aim to boost local business and economic circulation.
“I hope you’ll join in by dining out at your local restaurants. Your participation can help uplift the local economy and lead us to a brighter future for Korea,” he wrote.
