Presidential Office Draws Line on Lee's Proposal for Youngsoo Meeting, Saying "Parliament Situation Must Be Assessed"

Indirect Rejection of Proposals for Constitutional Amendment and National Emergency Economic Council

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office on the 12th effectively rejected Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea's repeated request for a 'summit meeting,' stating that "it must be judged considering various conditions including the National Assembly situation."

A Presidential Office official said to reporters at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon, "We have expressed our position on the meeting several times. The meeting is always open," indicating this.

Lee held a New Year's press conference in the morning and once again proposed a summit meeting to President Yoon. He also suggested the formation of a 'National Emergency Economic Council' to overcome the economic crisis and proposed a constitutional amendment centered on a four-year presidential term with re-election.

Although mentioning that "the meeting is open," by stating that they have expressed their position on the meeting several times, it is interpreted as a roundabout rejection of Lee's request.

President Yoon and the Presidential Office have emphasized from the early days of the administration that it is inappropriate to use the term 'summit meeting,' which was used when the president was the ruling party leader, and that both the president and leaders of the ruling and opposition parties should gather.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Regarding the demand for constitutional amendment, the official responded, "I think you can understand President Yoon's thoughts from a recent media interview," adding, "I also think the constitutional amendment is a matter to be discussed in the National Assembly."

Earlier, in a New Year's interview with Chosun Ilbo released on the 1st, President Yoon expressed a negative stance on constitutional amendments such as presidential or parliamentary systems, saying, "Because constitutional amendments are so explosive, if the topic comes up now, issues of people's livelihood and reform will all be buried."

However, he mentioned, "Depending on regional characteristics, methods of electing two, three, or four members can be considered," and "It is necessary to consider ways to strengthen representation through a large multi-member district system."

Regarding the demand for the formation of a National Emergency Economic Council, the official replied, "Regarding the other proposals as well, we will judge based on the National Assembly situation and various conditions, and if necessary, we will inform you."