The Office of the President responded to the golf controversy by stating, “There is no issue with the Commander-in-Chief exercising at military facilities.”

‘Response to Criticism of “Trump Preparation” False Explanation: “Malicious Attack”
On Timing: “Cannot Confirm Unofficial or Unlisted Schedules”, Panoramic view of the Yongsan Presidential Office building. (News1 DB) 2023.3.6/News1,
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, ‘(Seoul=News1) Reporter Jung Ji-hyung = The presidential office stated on the 14th that there is no issue with President Yoon Suk-yeol exercising at a military fitness center, a military facility, in light of the golf practice controversy.’,
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, ‘A presidential office spokesperson expressed regret over what they called malicious attacks regarding undisclosed weekend activities.’,
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, ‘This was the first statement from the presidential office regarding the golf practice controversy.’,
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, ‘There is ongoing controversy surrounding the presidential office’s explanation that President Yoon has started practicing golf for the first time in eight years since 2016 to synchronize with Donald Trump, the US President-elect, which some deem false.’,
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, ‘It has been found that President Yoon visited a golf course before Trump was elected as the next US president on the 6th, leading to further criticism.’,
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, ‘Reports indicate that President Yoon played golf at the military-owned Taereung Fitness Center (Taereung CC) on the 12th and on the 2nd and 9th of this month.’,
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, ‘In addition, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-joo claimed to have received reports of seven instances, including rounds played on August 24 and 31, and September 7 and 28.’,
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, ‘The controversy worsened as President Yoon’s golf outings coincided with North Korea preparing a retaliatory response to a South Korean drone sent to Pyongyang (announced on the 11th of last month) and the release of a phone call recording between Yoon and Myeong Taegyun (on the 31st of last month).’,
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, ‘The perception that the President was taking the situation lightly by playing golf during times of security threats and allegations of party nomination interference targeting the presidential couple fueled further criticism.’,
,
, ‘The plunge in national approval ratings to the 10-percent range during the midpoint of his term also contributed to increased criticism of the golf practice.’,
,
, ‘The situation also came shortly after President Yoon apologized in a public address and press conference regarding various controversies on the 9th of this month.’,
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, ‘The opposition party alleges that the presidential office issued a “false explanation,” suggesting that the President resumed golfing after eight years for “golf diplomacy” to distract from these controversies.’,
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, ‘However, a presidential office representative maintained that they could not confirm the timing of President Yoon’s golf practice because it pertained to unofficial or undisclosed schedules.\n’