0
President Lee Jae-myung encourages soldiers during a visit to the 7th Infantry Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, on September 12. / Source: Yonhap News

The presidential office announced Tuesday that it spent about 1.46 billion won between June and August on special activity funds, operating expenses, and designated project costs. It marks the first time such detailed information has been disclosed by any administration.

Officials said the disclosure was made “to ensure the proper use of taxpayers’ money and expand the people’s right to know,” adding that the office would continue to release spending records on a regular basis.

According to the data, special activity funds totaled 464.2 million won over the three months. The largest share went to diplomacy, security, and policy networks (158 million won), followed by public opinion and conflict management (98 million won), information gathering on state affairs and official conduct (97 million won), support for vulnerable groups (52 million won), and projects to strengthen national identity (58 million won). The single largest expense was a 30 million won advisory service on diplomacy and security in mid-August.

The office stressed that special activity funds are “essential for confidential state affairs such as diplomacy and security,” noting that their opaque nature has often fueled speculation in past governments. “While there are limits to what can be revealed due to confidentiality, we decided to disclose data to demonstrate responsible execution,” it said.

Operating expenses reached 978.3 million won. Of this, 279.9 million won went to public meetings and consultations on national issues, 353.7 million won to hosting major domestic and foreign guests, and 344.7 million won to gifts, holiday packages, and ceremonial items. Most of the funds were spent on food and supplies for events, as well as expert consultations and media support. Notably, nearly 10 million won was used on July 7 to buy fried chicken in Yeoncheon County for soldiers as part of a troop morale event.

Designated project costs amounted to 19.1 million won, including 2.8 million won for investigation and audit-related tasks and 16.3 million won for routine project expenses.

The office emphasized that, unlike previous administrations that only released broad categories, the Lee Jae-myung government is disclosing itemized spending on a day-to-day basis to strengthen fiscal transparency.