Yoon at Luncheon for Defeated Candidates in General Election: "A Political Fate Community"... Urges Lawmakers to Communicate and Renew

Encouragement for Defeated and Unsuccessful National Assembly Members
"Diverse Voices Must Be Guaranteed and Outreach Expanded"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the 'People Power Party Members of the National Assembly Luncheon' held at the Blue House State Guest House on the afternoon of the 24th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

"Within the party, we must guarantee diverse voices and, even if opinions differ, unite with many people who share the same goals. We need the determination to change and fix everything we have done so far." (Choi Jae-hyung, People Power Party lawmaker)

On the 24th, President Yoon Suk-yeol invited People Power Party lawmakers who were not nominated or who lost in the 22nd general election to a luncheon meeting at the Blue House State Guest House, where 21st National Assembly members offered suggestions on future national governance and party-government relations. According to spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung in a written briefing, the luncheon was held to encourage lawmakers who have devoted themselves and worked hard for the party and the people.

In his opening remarks, President Yoon said, "I thank all of you who have worked hard and devoted yourselves to the country, the people, and the party," emphasizing, "We are a political community sharing a common fate responsible for the livelihood of the people and the future of this country." He continued, "It is my duty as president to listen to the opinions of lawmakers who have felt the public sentiment firsthand on the front lines," and added, "Your wisdom, gained through rich experience in the National Assembly and the field of public livelihood, is essential, so please share your valuable insights."

Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party and acting party leader, also said, "Those present here today are the ones who participated in the birth of the Yoon Suk-yeol government," and requested, "Your role is more necessary than ever for the cooperation demanded by the people, so please continue communication and advice for the country and the party."

Yoon and Defeated Lawmakers Discuss "In-depth Dialogue on Causes of Election Defeat"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting Kim Young-sik, a member of the 21st National Assembly from the People Power Party, at the 'People Power Party National Assembly Members Luncheon' held at the Blue House State Guest House on the afternoon of the 24th. This luncheon was organized to encourage those who are not running, were not nominated, or were defeated in the 22nd National Assembly elections. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Lawmakers candidly conveyed the public sentiment they experienced on the ground, and President Yoon listened attentively. According to the presidential office, participants exchanged opinions on reforming the party and government and engaged in in-depth discussions on the causes of the election defeat.

Lawmaker Woo Shin-gu expressed concern, saying, "We tried to devise a successful election strategy for the metropolitan area, but it did not go well," and warned, "If we do not have a thorough awakening, future elections will also be difficult." Lawmaker Seo Jeong-sook suggested, "We need to strengthen communication and create a structure where the content is well conveyed upward."

Lawmaker Tae Young-ho said, "Consideration is needed for vulnerable groups such as immigrants and Chinese compatriots," and added, "In the era of low birth rates, we need to contemplate whether to maintain jus sanguinis (right of blood) nationality principles."

Lawmaker Seo Byung-soo stated, "Unlike in the past, political polarization is severe, so persuading the moderate middle will determine the success or failure of elections," and urged, "We must embrace those who have been marginalized and distanced from the party to expand our outreach."

In response, President Yoon promised, "You are colleagues and a team who have been with me since I started politics," and pledged, "I will do my best to strengthen the capabilities of the party and government."

About 50 lawmakers attended the luncheon, including Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party and acting party leader, Yoo Ui-dong, chairman of the Policy Committee, Bae Jun-young, acting secretary-general, and Jeong Hee-yong, chief spokesperson. From the presidential office, Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok, Policy Chief Seong Tae-yoon, National Security Chief Jang Ho-jin, Political Secretary Hong Cheol-ho, Public Relations Secretary Lee Do-woon, Economic Secretary Park Chun-seop, Social Secretary Jang Sang-yoon, and Science and Technology Secretary Park Sang-wook were present.