Lee Jae-myung and Park Yong-jin Hold Lunch Meeting in Yeouido on the 21st
Differences Remain on Constitutional Amendment... But Atmosphere Was Warm
Former lawmaker Park Yong-jin, considered part of the 'Bimyeong faction,' met with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, to emphasize the need for constitutional amendment. In response, Lee drew a line, saying the timing needs to be considered.
On the 21st, at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, after having lunch with Lee, Park told reporters, "Regarding the (constitutional amendment) content, there are aspects where most of the public can find common ground," adding, "I conveyed my intention to unify the party with groups holding differing opinions and achieve national unity through the constitutional amendment." Additionally, Park requested Lee to consider opinions related to the primary election rules.
In response, Lee reportedly said, "It is necessary to listen to opinions depending on the timing and situation," and that "it is too early to fully address constitutional amendment and primary election rules." Park also conveyed, "I agreed with the point about timing."
Although there were slight differences in views regarding the constitutional amendment, the meeting proceeded in a warm atmosphere for about 100 minutes. Upon seeing Park’s face, Lee expressed his sympathy, saying, "You have been through so much," and "Thank you for standing together despite the difficult circumstances." Park replied, "Although the memories from the general election were harsh, I am glad we can now meet with smiles."
They also agreed on the necessity of 'Democratic Party unity.' Park said, "We must join forces to dispel the public’s worries and anxieties and to block the pro-insurrection forces," to which Lee asked Park to play a role in this serious situation. However, the specific role was not discussed.
Park told reporters, "Now is not the time to talk about roles, so we can take it slowly," adding, "There may be concerns among the public about the Democratic Party, but I believe this will help reassure them."
Meanwhile, Lee continues his efforts to unify the Democratic Party by meeting with members of the Bimyeong faction. He plans to meet former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum on the 24th, former Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok on the 27th, and Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon on the 28th.
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