President Moon Jae-in made a surprise visit to a pub in downtown Seoul Thursday evening. He met with some 30 people all differently impacted by the latest economic policy decisions.<br />Our chief Blue House correspondent Moon Connyoung brings us to the scene. What better way to finish off a sweltering work day than to cool down with a glass of ice cold beer?<br />Now, add a surprise visitor: the President.<br /><br /> Seven p.m. on a Thursday. South Korean President Moon Jae-in makes a surprise visit to a local pub in the Gwanghwamun area in downtown Seoul. <br /><br />Stunned, awestruck... but wearing big grins on their faces are job seekers, owners of small businesses, self-employed, and wage workers.<br /><br /> "During my election campaign last year, I pledged to become a president who communicates well with the people; to meet with citizens after work."<br /><br /> The Blue House explained the participants had been pre-selected but they did not know they were meeting with the president. <br /><br /> "With the minimum wage, working hours, self-employment, and jobs becoming serious issues these days, I came here today to just listen to what you have to say."<br /><br /> The government's latest decision to raise hourly base pay to 8-thousand-3-hundred-and-50 won starting next year, up 10-point-9 percent from the current 7-thousand-5-hundred-30 won and a cut in the maximum length of the working week have drawn criticism from employers and workers alike.<br /><br /> The participants explained their own difficulties caused by the policy decisions and President Moon agreed to hold another similar impromptu meeting in the near future.<br /><br />Moon Connyoung, Arirang News, the Blue House. <br />
