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.
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?
Now, add a surprise visitor: the President.

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.

Stunned, awestruck... but wearing big grins on their faces are job seekers, owners of small businesses, self-employed, and wage workers.

"During my election campaign last year, I pledged to become a president who communicates well with the people; to meet with citizens after work."

The Blue House explained the participants had been pre-selected but they did not know they were meeting with the president.

"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."

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.

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.

Moon Connyoung, Arirang News, the Blue House.