Blue House raises phoenix flag as presidency returns

Dec 29, 2025, 09:50 am

		0
The Blue House is seen a day before the presidential office’s return, with the national flag flying as preparations are made to hoist the phoenix flag at midnight on Dec. 29 in central Seoul. / Asia Today

The phoenix flag, a symbol of the head of state, was hoisted at the Blue House at midnight on Dec. 29, marking the official return of South Korea’s presidential office from Yongsan after three years and seven months.

According to the presidential office, Lee Jae-myung began working at the Blue House on Monday, with the administration formally restoring the office’s official name to “Cheong Wa Dae,” ushering in what aides describe as the “Lee Jae-myung government’s Blue House era.”

The spokesperson’s office said earlier that the phoenix flag previously flying over the Yongsan presidential office was taken down at midnight, simultaneously raised at the Blue House to signify the shift in the center of state affairs back to the historic compound.

The return carries strong political symbolism, signaling a break from the Yongsan presidential office era, which had been associated with the Dec. 3 emergency martial law controversy. At the same time, the move revives long-standing concerns that the geographically secluded Blue House could again be seen as a “palace behind walls,” distant from public sentiment.

In an effort to counter that image, President Lee has set up an additional office in Yeomin Building, where senior aides — including the chief of staff, policy chief and national security adviser — are based. The decision is widely seen as an attempt to strengthen day-to-day communication with top aides and project an image of a hands-on, working president. Former President Moon Jae-in also maintained an office in the Yeomin complex.

As renovations to the official residence are not yet complete, Lee will temporarily commute from the Hannam-dong residence to the Blue House.

Lee’s final public schedule at the Yongsan presidential office took place on Dec. 26, when he hosted a luncheon for the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said the greatest significance of the move lies in fulfilling the administration’s pledge to complete the relocation by year’s end. She added that with the New Year approaching, President Lee is expected to share his reflections and broader messages after settling into the Blue House.

#Blue House #phoenix flag #presidential office return #Lee Jae-myung