Yoon Suk Yeol Skips National Assembly Ceremony

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has notably skipped the opening ceremony of the National Assembly, marking the first absence of a sitting president from this event since the country's transition to democracy in the late 1980s. Yoon's decision is a response to increasing tensions with the opposition, which has been pursuing investigations into corruption allegations involving his wife and government officials. The president's approval ratings are declining amid economic challenges, including rising household debt and a weak job market, further complicating his political landscape. The boycott of the ceremony reflects the deepening partisan strife, as opposition leaders criticize Yoon's actions as arrogant and detrimental to governance. The National Assembly, which has been in session since May, is expected to face contentious debates over key legislative issues, including the government's budget proposal and controversial bills. This unprecedented move illustrates the growing challenges Yoon faces in navigating a liberal-controlled parliament while addressing pressing national issues.