Lee Jae-myung "Sorry Politics Has Troubled the People"... Jeong Sun-taek "Please Join Forces for People's Stability"

Archbishop Jeong Suntak Meets Lee Jae-myung, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea
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The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul announced on the 12th that Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek met with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, for a cordial talk.

Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek meets with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Photo provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul]

On that day, Archbishop Jeong greeted, "Thank you for visiting Myeongdong during this very serious time," and Lee replied, "Politics is supposed to allow our people to live their daily lives comfortably, but it seems to be troubling them instead, and as a member of the community, I feel sorry."

Archbishop Jeong said, "In this unprecedented situation of martial law, our people seem to be feeling a lot of anxiety and confusion," but added, "In this situation, our people are expressing their opinions peacefully and showing the power of peace."

Lee said, "The great desire and courage of our people for democracy seem to be well demonstrated," and added, "Politics is originally about mutual respect, recognition, dialogue, compromise, and concession leading to general agreement, but recently it seems to have turned into a war. It is an extreme, confrontational situation that denies existence, so we cannot say we bear no responsibility, which is regrettable."

In response, Archbishop Jeong conveyed Pope Francis's words that "Politics is not a game of power among politicians but a dedication to the common good for all, and the highest form of love," and urged, "Rather, politics is making people anxious. I hope that through democratic and constitutional procedures, society will be stabilized for the happiness and common good of all people as soon as possible."

Lee also said, "We are trying to resolve or ease this situation early according to laws and procedures, but now it seems necessary for social leaders, including religious figures, to speak up," and added, "I thought voices from people like the Archbishop are needed, so I came to listen and ask for your support."

Archbishop Jeong added, "Regardless of political colors, I ask everyone to unite so that the entire nation can feel stability and our country can find its rightful place again. We will pray and look for ways to do our part."

Present at the meeting were Parish Office Director Father Jeong Young-jin, Director of Culture and Public Relations Father Choi Kwang-hee, Kim Byung-gi (baptismal name Ignatius), Chairman of the Catholic Committee of the Religious Special Committee, Lee Hae-sik (baptismal name Stefano), Secretary-General of the Party Leader’s Office, Kim Tae-seon (baptismal name Thomas More), Chief of Staff to the Party Leader, and spokesperson Han Min-su.