Yoon Suk-yeol plans to stay in Seoul during vacation

President Yoon Suk-yeol has decided not to travel to provincial regions on his vacation this week and will remain in Seoul to consider the current political turmoil, officials from the ruling party and presidential office said Monday.

The decision came as Yoon's approval ratings have fallen below 30 percent in some surveys, unusual for a president less than three months in office, as the economic situation worsens and leadership turmoil deepens in the ruling People Power Party.

Yoon is taking five days off starting Monday.

"I understand that President Yoon and first lady have decided not to go down to the provinces during this vacation," said an official at the presidential office.

Another official said, "Under the current situation, vacation is not vacation."

While staying at home, Yoon is expected to consult people from various circles, according to the officials.

Yoon's approval rating sank below 30 percent in the wake of the embarrassing disclosure of a controversial text conversation with the ruling party floor leader.

Last week, PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong apologized after a text conversation he had with Yoon was caught on camera, in which Yoon was seen backbiting suspended party chief Lee Jun-seok.

"President Yoon thinks that the confusion in the party should be resolved quickly," another presidential official said.

Yonhap