Ruling Party Leadership Visits Pyeongsan Village… Moon Urges "End to Hate Politics"

After Attending Bongha Village Memorial Ceremony, Visits Pyeongsan Village
"Concerned About Former President Moon's Extreme Polarization and Hate Politics"
Also Coordinating Schedule with Former President Park

Hwang Woo-yeo, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, visited former President Moon Jae-in on the 23rd, embarking on a 'unification' move.

People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee Chairman Hwang Woo-yeo and Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho are leaving former President Moon Jae-in's private residence in Pyeongsan Village, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongnam, on the afternoon of the 23rd and moving. (Photo by Yonhap News)

On the day, Chairman Hwang, along with Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho, visited Bongha Village in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, attended the 15th anniversary memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, and then moved to Pyeongsan Village in Yangsan to meet former President Moon.

This is the first time since the launch of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration that the ruling party leadership has met with former President Moon. It is interpreted as a message to seek cooperation ahead of the opening of the 22nd National Assembly in a situation where the ruling party is in the minority.

Chairman Hwang told reporters that he had a conversation with former President Moon for about 20 minutes and discussed political restoration and livelihood issues. He stated that there was no mention of sensitive political issues.

Chairman Hwang introduced that they reached a consensus on 'politics with evenings,' saying, "(Between the ruling and opposition parties) even if formal and structured talks happen during the day, it is desirable to have candid conversations in the evening to resolve many issues."

Former President Moon said at the meeting, "We are currently engaging in extremely polarized and hateful politics," and "The political circles should first end extreme and hateful politics and unite the people," according to attendees.

Former President Moon also mentioned the idea that "Even if one strongly holds the party's position, the language used should be somewhat softened."

Secretary-General Sung Il-jong evaluated Hwang Woo-yeo’s Emergency Response Committee’s move on BBS Radio, saying, "Isn't it a good thing for the ruling and opposition parties to meet frequently in politics and for former presidents to be visited often to seek wisdom?"

Former Chairman Hwang visited former President Lee Myung-bak on the 21st. It is also reported that schedules with former President Park Geun-hye are being coordinated.

However, there are criticisms that as a 'management-type emergency response committee' temporarily launched to manage the party after the general election defeat, it should focus on preparing for the party convention rather than concentrating on such external activities.

Spokesperson Kim Min-jeon rebutted at a briefing after the emergency response committee meeting, saying, "There have been no official discussions related to the party convention, but preparations are underway. It is excessive to say that the committee has forgotten its role."

Spokesperson Kim explained, "To open the door for dialogue, we are meeting former presidents and visiting Bongha Village. As those responsible for state affairs, is it enough to just confront? While we oppose 'bad laws,' we are making efforts to build consensus on parts where reconciliation and compromise are possible."