Lee was golfing during Daegu ceiling collapse, office says

A section of ceiling material collapsed at a supermarket in Daegu, southeastern South Korea, on Saturday, injuring 38 people.

President Lee Jae Myung was playing golf with his family at a country club in northern Seoul at the time.

His office said he received updates on the incident and ordered agencies to use all available resources for rescue work.

The office confirmed the golf outing after an opposition lawmaker said he would publicize it.

The lawmaker criticized Lee’s decision to golf and demanded a detailed account of his response and an explanation of how the outing was paid for.

Lee’s ruling Democratic Party said he had acted to protect people and described the criticism as political maneuvering.

The lawmaker also called for an apology and a special investigation, while the presidential office said it had confirmed the outing to prevent controversy.