Lee to cluster key aides at Cheong Wa Dae to speed up decision-making

The Korean presidential office is returning to its historic seat at Cheong Wa Dae. The relocation, expected to be finalized by the end of the month, marks a symbolic homecoming to the wooded compound in central Seoul that served as the nation's center of power for decades. Cheong Wa Dae is composed of several key facilities, including the main building used by the president, the Yeomin Building complex that houses offices for presidential secretaries and staff, the State Guest House (Yeongbingwan) for official events and receptions, the Chunchugwan press center and the presidential residence. Under the new arrangement, President Lee Jae Myung will have offices in both the main building and the Yeomin Building complex. He is expected to spend the bulk of his working hours in the Yeomin Building, where his closest aides will also be based. An official in the presidential office said Monday that the offices of Lee’s three top aides — the chief of staff, policy chief and national security adviser — will also be housed in the Yeomin Building, placing them within a one-minute walk of th