A snapshot that went viral on social media… Some raised criticism saying, "She was made to serve drinks."

President Lee Jae-myung was captured handing a bottle of liquor to a female staff member sitting next to him during a gathering with citizens, prompting some members of the public to comment on his "lack of gender sensitivity."

The criticism centered on why he handed a bottle to a woman, effectively making her pour him a drink, but there is also substantial counterargument. Notably, a post by former lawmaker Heo Eun-ah, who joined the Democratic Party, has received support.

On the 12th, photos and videos of President Lee dining with citizens and staff at a restaurant near Gwanghwamun circulated on social media, including X (formerly Twitter). The controversial scene showed the president quietly handing his bottle of liquor to a staff member, who then poured him a drink.

Some citizens criticized the incident. They remarked that "seeing a woman pour a drink for her boss at a gathering is outdated,” emphasizing the lack of gender sensitivity.

Claims were raised questioning, "Why should a woman pour drinks for him?" and labeling it inappropriate for a woman to be seated next to her boss serving drinks.

However, there has also been significant counterargument highlighting that this criticism does not consider the context of the gathering. The released video also shows President Lee preparing a mix of soju and beer, known as "somaek," and distributing it to the staff.

There are claims that the staff member voluntarily expressed a desire to drink first, and President Lee responded by pouring her a drink. It was explained that the scene of the staff member pouring into the president's glass was merely out of courtesy.

Some argue that the critique relies on stereotypical gender roles.

Former lawmaker Heo Eun-ah, affiliated with the Democratic Party, posed a rhetorical question: "Is it a problem when a woman sits next to the boss and pours drinks, but fine when a man does? Is it inappropriate for a woman to serve drinks, while it's acceptable for a man?" She pointed out, "Then, is the issue the alcohol or the woman? This kind of perspective is a subtle form of discrimination that does not regard women as autonomous, responsible colleagues."

She further stated, "If merely the act of a woman pouring a drink for a superior is used to question gender sensitivity, then that is not sensitivity but simply a repackaging of gender role stereotypes," adding that "the stereotype of viewing women only as protectables ultimately operates as a language that excludes women from participation."

Concerns were also raised that this "protectionism" disguised as sensitivity might further alienate women from society.

Highlighting the image of a "down-to-earth president"… Continuing efforts for people's livelihood.

Meanwhile, the scene of the gathering has also garnered many positive reactions, with comments labeling him a "down-to-earth president." Some netizens said, "If a good brother pours a drink, it feels good, so how nice would it be if the president did it?" and "What's the problem with such a gathering? It's something common in our daily lives."

President Lee mentioned on Facebook that it was meaningful to meet and greet the public directly, noting that he listened to opinions regarding the current economic conditions and prices at the gathering. He added, "To revitalize the economy, we need to support local neighborhoods" and expressed hope that the "consumer coupons for livelihood recovery," effective from the 21st, would bring warmth to local businesses.

Finally, President Lee emphasized, "I ask the public to join the dining experience at nearby restaurants with a spirit of supporting local businesses," stating that "these small actions can become the power to revive our economy."

Image sources: News1, YouTube 'Channel A News', Facebook 'Heo Eun-ah'