Lee Jae-myung "Proposes Summit Meeting to Yoon... Wants to Discuss 'Jigudang' with Representative Han Dong-hoon"

'Unprecedented Consecutive Term' Lee Jae-myung
Proposes Talks to President and Ruling Party Leader
"Must Overcome South Korea's Crisis Situation"

Lee Jae-myung, who succeeded in his re-election as the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "I propose a summit meeting with President Yoon Seok-yeol," and added, "I also propose a leaders' meeting with Han Dong-hoon. I hope we can first discuss the revival of the district party, an issue on which there is no disagreement."

Lee Jae-myung, the elected leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference after concluding the Democratic Party of Korea's 1st Regular National Party Members' Convention held at KSPO Dome, Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

On the 18th, after being elected as the new leader at the 8.18 National Party Members' Convention, Lee made a concession speech in which he requested a 'summit meeting' with President Yoon. He said, "The previous summit meeting fell short of the public's expectations, which was regrettable," and added, "Since we agreed at the last meeting to meet again anytime to communicate about state affairs, I will await President Yoon's response."

He then proposed a 'leaders' meeting' to Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party. He said, "Above all, frank discussions on the most significant issue, the Chae Sang-byeong special prosecutor law, are absolutely necessary," and added, "Since Leader Han has proposed a third-party recommendation plan, I look forward to open dialogue on whether there is a better plan for fact-finding based on the introduction of a special prosecutor." He also emphasized, "Let's discuss ways to alleviate the ruinous regionalism," and stressed, "I hope we can first discuss the revival of the district party, an issue on which the ruling and opposition parties have no disagreement."

Lee Jae-myung, the elected leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is waving the party flag after receiving it at the "2024 Democratic Party of Korea 1st Regular National Party Members' Convention" held on the 18th at KSPO Dome, Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

After the National Party Members' Convention, Lee met with reporters and spoke about the specifics of the summit and leaders' meetings. When asked, "What agenda do you want to discuss at the summit meeting?" he replied, "I do not particularly limit the agenda; I think we can discuss any issues that the public is interested in," and added, "If the presidential office insists on limiting the agenda, I am willing to meet and talk even with a limited agenda." He also said, "Regardless of the method or agenda, coordination of opinions is essential to overcome the current crisis facing the Republic of Korea."

Regarding discussing the third-party recommendation plan for the Chae Sang-byeong special prosecutor law in the meeting with Leader Han, he explained, "I still believe that, according to existing practice, if it concerns government corruption, it is appropriate for the opposition party to make the recommendation," but added, "However, due to the structural limitations of the National Assembly, I propose including that part (the third-party recommendation plan) as well." He further said, "It would be ideal to proceed as stubbornly as possible, but we cannot avoid considering practical issues."

Especially concerning the revival of the district party, he stated, "Incumbent lawmakers in the National Assembly receive support, can engage in political activities officially, and receive allowances, but challengers cannot even open offices or conduct official activities," and added, "This is undesirable from the perspective of equal opportunity." Furthermore, he argued, "Currently, the Democratic Party dominates Honam, and the People Power Party almost monopolizes Yeongnam," and said, "If this is not overcome, political development will be limited." He also said, "Leader Han has explicitly promised this," and added, "I want to open the door to overcoming regionalism."