In politics, you win when the opposite aspect falls

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The writer is a digital information editor on the JoongAng Ilbo.
 
 
President Lee Jae Myung has wrapped up the APEC diplomacy week he personally directed. Contained in the Democratic Social gathering (DP), reward poured in — “Lee Jae Myung leads the economic system, diplomacy and safety,” “diplomatic genius Lee Jae Myung.” The flattery was blatant and uncomfortable to observe, but it’s troublesome to disclaim that outcomes have been produced. The highlights have been Korea’s shock request for nuclear-powered submarine gas, U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval to maneuver ahead with building, the conclusion of Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations and regular groundwork in relations with China and Japan.
 

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, proper, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, left, and Hyundai Motor Group Govt Chair Euisun Chung share hen and beer at a Kkanbu Rooster restaurant in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul, on Oct. 30. [YONHAP]

 
However the true scene-stealer was elsewhere: a fried hen and beer gathering between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Samsung Electronics Govt Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group Govt Chair Euisun Chung. The trio, whose mixed private wealth is reported to succeed in 225 trillion gained ($157.3 billion), shared a 20,000 gained plate of hen and soju blended with beer.
 
The sight was so sudden that some joked it regarded like an AI-generated video. Viewers have been struck by Huang’s overwhelming charisma and the relaxed, unpretentious demeanor of the 2 Korean conglomerate leaders. One remark that went viral stated, “It was so heartwarming I needed to want them riches, however they’re already unbelievably wealthy.” Beneath a video of Lee deboning hen, one other wrote, “Anybody who eats carelessly ought to mirror. This must be required viewing for youngsters.” The fried hen model rapidly bought out in lots of neighborhoods, and the so-called Jensen Huang set menu is now well-liked.
 
Some observers say the second felt much more liberating compared with the earlier administration beneath President Yoon Suk Yeol, which was incessantly accused of staging company participation. Throughout Yoon’s journeys overseas, tales unfold of enterprise leaders being pressured to attend late-night consuming classes hosted by the president. Essentially the most infamous case was in December 2023, when, only a week after Korea did not safe the World Expo bid, Yoon appeared in Busan’s Kkangtong Market consuming tteokbokki (spicy rice truffles) with company heads. Critics stated the tycoons have been used as background props to assuage public disappointment. Moderates and business-friendly conservatives, who had lengthy supported the Individuals Energy Social gathering, started to show away. The political fallout contributed to the get together’s historic defeat within the following common election.
 
Extra just lately, a particular counsel investigation confirmed that former first woman Kim Keon Hee sat on the royal throne in Gyeongbok Palace’s Geunjeongjeon, additional explaining why such controversies, together with the pressured tteokbokki photo-op, have been doable. On social media, photographs contrasting the stiff, uneasy expressions of enterprise leaders throughout the earlier administration with their seemingly brighter faces beneath the present one are broadly shared. Whether or not they’re really happier is unknown, however public sentiment after witnessing the “Kkanbu hen assembly” leans that manner. President Lee can be benefiting politically, particularly with Nvidia’s pledge to produce 260,000 GPUs to Korea, giving momentum to his AI initiative.
 

President Lee Jae Myung welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump forward of a state dinner hosted by the president on the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Resort in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, on Oct. 29. [YONHAP]

 
However the APEC week, infused with Jensen Huang’s star energy, has ended. Politics now returns to home issues. A president who soared by means of diplomacy and AI should now confront the burdens of governing at residence. Voters decide home affairs much more strictly. The Nationwide Meeting audit ended beneath criticism because the “Choi Min-hee, Choo Mi-ae and Kim Hyun-ji hearings.” The DP’s speedy legislative push, packaged as “judicial reform” and “stabilizing state affairs,” is elevating issues. Actual property coverage backlash and property scandals involving high-ranking officers are heavy liabilities. If mishandled, public opinion might shift abruptly.
 
In the course of the presidential marketing campaign in Might, Lee quoted former President Kim Younger-sam whereas visiting South Gyeongsang: “Politics isn’t about doing nicely. If we keep nonetheless, the opposite aspect will fall. Then we win.” It could be true. And it might occur to anybody. In politics, alternative and disaster are at all times separated by a skinny line.