Kim Taegyu of People Power Party Names Presidential Orchid 'Myeongnan'... Reverses Refusal to Accept It

Refused Congratulatory Orchid, Then Accepted It

A congratulatory flower arrangement for the election victory in the name of President Lee Jae-myung, revealed by Kim Taegyu, a member of the People Power Party. Screenshot from Facebook

Kim Taegyu, a member of the People Power Party who was elected in the June 3 Ulsan Nam-gap parliamentary by-election, initially refused to accept a congratulatory orchid sent in the name of President Lee Jae-myung, but reversed his decision just one day later.

On June 9, Kim posted on Facebook, "(I left the potted plant sent by the president) outside the door. While citizens are filling the streets in Songpa right now, instead of sending plants and observing formalities, the first priority should be answering before the public how such a situation has occurred and who should take responsibility." He added, "Considering the gravity of the current situation, I respectfully decline the congratulatory gesture."

However, on the morning of June 10, Kim stated, "What fault is there in the orchid itself? My aide said, 'Let’s try to grow it well anyway,' and brought it inside." He continued, "Wishing for it to grow brightly and well, I named it 'Myeongnan (Bright Orchid).' I will try to raise it properly from now on." He also released a photo showing a note attached below the orchid pot that read, "Myeongnan! Live upright."

The presidential office delivered congratulatory orchids to 14 lawmakers (nine from the Democratic Party of Korea, four from the People Power Party, and one independent) who were elected in the June 3 by-elections and entered the National Assembly. Among them, opposition lawmakers Yoo Eui-dong, Lee Jin-sook, and Yoon Yong-geun, as well as independent Han Dong-hoon, received the congratulatory orchids the previous day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.