Kim Boo-kyum "All Pro-Democracy and Progressive Forces Must Unite"
"Must Uphold the Basic Purpose of the Mixed-Member Proportional Representation System" Emphasized
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum held a private luncheon meeting on the 20th at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, to discuss party unification measures for winning the general election. Former Prime Minister Kim said that the pro-democracy and progressive forces must come together to overcome the difficult crisis. Lee responded that they must join forces to create new change and hope.
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, and former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum met on the 20th at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Seoul. The two, who met on the main street in front of the restaurant, are explaining the significance of their meeting to the press waiting outside the restaurant. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@
Before the meeting, former Prime Minister Kim said, "When the party is in such difficulty, if there is even a little part that the seniors think about, there was a request to gather opinions together." He added, "When I heard that I would meet Leader Lee, many requests came from various places. I heard a lot of concerns from both inside and outside the party about the party."
He said, "The Democratic Party is not just playing its own role, but it can encompass the entire pro-democracy and progressive forces to overcome this difficult crisis. I will convey these talks frankly so that we can unify, stabilize, and lead reform together."
Leader Lee said, "Many people are worried about the reckless and irresponsible backsliding of the Yoon Seok-youl administration," adding, "The Democratic Party has a great responsibility to bear. It is a very important task to unite our strength and create hope for our people through new changes."
He continued, "I will listen a lot to former Prime Minister Kim, who has a lot of experience and especially great expertise in state affairs and politics," and added, "There are many shortcomings and many things to do, but I think we should join forces and move forward together, especially at times like this."
During the meeting, discussions were held not only on party unification but also on the election system.
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, and former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum met on the 20th at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Seoul. They are seen walking into the restaurant together while having a conversation. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@
After the meeting, spokesperson Kwon Chil-seung briefed, "(Former Prime Minister Kim) said that the mixed-member proportional representation system is a way to secure diversity and proportionality, and that it would be good to uphold the basic intent," adding, "He asked Leader Lee, as a representative of the pro-democracy camp, to also gather opinions on these matters." In response, Leader Lee said, "I fully understand the intent and will continue to gather various opinions," according to spokesperson Kwon.
It is also known that they mentioned the increasing confusion within the party over the 'Lee Nak-yeon new party formation.' Former Prime Minister Kim encouraged Leader Lee to meet and have sufficient dialogue with many people, including former leader Lee Nak-yeon, and at the same time urged efforts for innovation.
Spokesperson Kwon said, "Former Prime Minister Kim emphasized party unity, saying there should be no internal division." Leader Lee is also reported to have listened seriously. Spokesperson Kwon added, "Leader Lee said that there is no mountain or river that cannot be crossed for party unity and victory in the general election," and "He emphasized his position to overcome small differences and strive to meet together on the main road and do his best."
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