Blue House Denies Reports of Secret Meeting Between National Security Chief and Russia

On June 26, the Blue House stated that reports claiming National Security Chief Wi Sung-lak held a secret meeting with senior Russian officials during his visit to Kazakhstan last month are "not true."

In a press release, the Blue House clarified that Wi's visit to Kazakhstan at the end of May was aimed at bilateral consultations between South Korea and Kazakhstan.

The statement continued, "South Korea and Russia maintain necessary communication through diplomatic channels, including embassies, to ensure stable management of bilateral relations and to protect our citizens and businesses."

Earlier, a media outlet cited multiple diplomatic sources, reporting that the National Security Chief met with high-ranking Russian officials during his visit to Kazakhstan from May 28 to 30.