Why Did Former President Lee Myung-bak Hold a Luncheon Meeting with Seoul City Council Members?...36% Absence Rate

Lunch with 2 People from the People Power Party City Council Members... Only Encouragement and Well-Wishes Without Political Remarks
26 Out of 75 Absent... Uncomfortable Stance on Event Background Draws Attention

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Seong-min = Former President Lee Myung-bak is giving a greeting speech at the 'Former President Lee - Seoul Metropolitan Council People Power Party New Year's Meeting' held at a hotel restaurant in downtown Seoul on the morning of the 2nd. 2024.2.2 ksm7976@yna.co.kr

Former President Lee Myung-bak held a luncheon meeting with Seoul city council members from the People Power Party on the 2nd, drawing attention to the background of the gathering.

In particular, some city council members reacted negatively, suggesting that the former president’s sudden decision to hold a luncheon meeting with council members might have been arranged to indirectly support a specific candidate ahead of the second half of the year’s city council chairperson election.

As a result, 26 out of the 75 People Power Party members did not attend the event.

However, it was reported that during the meeting, the former president did not make any special political remarks but offered encouragement and kind words.

Former President Lee recalled, "During my time as Seoul mayor, I was able to succeed in the Cheonggyecheon restoration project with the cooperation of the city council members, which eventually enabled me to become president."

One city council member said, "The former president did not make any politically controversial statements," adding, "It was a gathering to encourage the city council members."

The city council members who attended also wished the former president good health and strength.

A total of 49 people, including Chairperson Kim Hyun-ki, attended the event.

Meanwhile, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon reportedly only exchanged greetings with the former president before leaving prior to the start of the event.