Lee Jae-myung Meets Jinwoo Sunim, Requests Religious Community to Mediate Legislative Conflicts

Jinwoo Sunim "Efforts at the Level of the Religious Leaders Council"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, on the 15th to request the religious community's mediation regarding the medical sector crisis caused by the increase in medical school admissions.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is having a conversation with Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, during a visit to the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 15th. / Photo by Yonhap News

On the day, Lee visited Jinwoo Sunim at the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "In the current situation, a mediating or lubricating role is necessary," and added, "It would help to ease the conflict if senior figures in the religious community step forward."

He continued, "Right now, only politicians and stakeholders are talking, so it's like teeth clashing without lips," expressing concern that "if no one makes concessions or compromises, everyone will eventually fall off the cliff, and the public will suffer."

Lee also said, "Politics inherently involves conflict, but it must not lead to destruction," and stated, "The greatest role of politics is integration and adjustment?mediating, conceding, and compromising to achieve more together?but recently, conflicts and hostility seem too severe."

Jinwoo Sunim, chairman of the Korean Religious Leaders Council (Jongjiheop), responded to Lee's proposal by saying, "This is an urgent and pressing issue, and the damage will inevitably fall directly on the people," and added, "After the holidays, we will try to meet at the Jongjiheop level or engage in dialogue with the government."

However, Jinwoo Sunim added, "Even if it does not lead to a conclusion, any recommendations from the religious community must be somewhat accepted by both sides as a premise." He also emphasized, "A true leader is someone who can harmonize regardless of party affiliation," and urged, "Especially since Lee is the head of the major opposition party, he should take greater responsibility."

After the private meeting, Lee told reporters, "The Chief Executive has always been interested in the medical crisis and has previously attempted dialogue once," and emphasized, "He said that the Jongjiheop will try to lead public discussion on this issue, and we will do our best to support from the side."