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Kim Ki-hyun, the newly appointed leader of the People Power Party, paid a courtesy visit to former President Lee Myung-bak on the 15th. It was reported that the former president emphasized unity between the government and the party.

Yoo Sang-beom, the senior spokesperson of the People Power Party, told reporters immediately after the visit at the former president’s residence located in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon, "(The former president) emphasized unity, saying that the current situation is an emergency and a comprehensive national crisis, and that the government and the party must unite to overcome the crisis through national governance."

It is also reported that the former president gave advice regarding next year’s general election. Spokesperson Yoo explained, "The last thing he said before leaving was a tip on how to win the 22nd general election," adding, "He said that if nominations are made without controversy, victory is possible. He advised not to create divisions and to nominate capable people well, which would result in uncontested nominations and lead to victory in the 22nd general election."

The former president also gave a positive evaluation of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s upcoming state visit to the United States next month. Yoo said, "(The former president) said that it signifies that the U.S. values President Yoon," and added, "He mentioned that going as a state guest would be much more beneficial for national diplomacy than just a regular visit."

Regarding the government’s solution for compensation of forced labor victims during the Japanese colonial period, mainly involving 'third-party payment,' Yoo emphasized, "(The former president) praised President Yoon’s bold proposals as very good efforts toward normalizing Korea-Japan diplomacy."

However, when asked about inter-party relations, Yoo drew a line, saying, "(The former president) made several remarks related to diplomacy and expressed concerns about state affairs, but it is not appropriate to disclose detailed content."

Kim’s visit to the former president lasted about 35 minutes, accompanied by spokesperson Yoo Sang-beom, Secretary-General Lee Cheol-gyu, and Chief Secretary to the Party Leader Koo Ja-geun.