People Power Party Warns President Lee Against Using G7 Attendance to Avoid Legal Risks... Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash

Ruling Party: "A Turning Point for Restoring National Prestige... People Power Party Must Cooperate"

On June 7, both the ruling and opposition parties expressed hopes for diplomatic achievements as President Lee Jae Myung attends his first major Group of Seven (G7) summit since taking office. However, they showed differences in their perspectives.

President Lee Jae Myung is taking the oath of office for the 21st President at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on June 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun Min

Cho Seung Rae, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, stated in a commentary on the same day, "We expect this to serve as a turning point for restoring our nation's international standing on the diplomatic stage, which had been undermined by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration."

Spokesperson Cho emphasized, "In this grave diplomatic environment, both the ruling and opposition parties must unite and work together to protect the national interest." He also criticized, "The reckless remarks made by the People Power Party ahead of the upcoming South Korea-U.S. summit call must not be repeated."

He added, "Stirring up anxiety as if there are problems while summit call arrangements are still underway is an irresponsible act that uses diplomacy for partisan interests in an attempt to undermine the new administration." He continued, "The People Power Party must feel a heavy sense of responsibility in the face of our nation's critical situation and cooperate to normalize state affairs."

Lee Jun Woo, spokesperson for the People Power Party, commented, "As this is President Lee's first appearance on the diplomatic stage alongside leaders of major world powers, we hope it will lead to genuine achievements for the national interest."

However, spokesperson Lee pointed out, "President Lee has so far remained silent or shown a lukewarm attitude toward North Korea's provocations and human rights abuses, and has raised questions about his diplomatic balance through his pro-China stance." He added, "At this G7 summit, a clear position is needed to earn the trust of the international community."

He also stated, "President Lee must not use his attendance at the G7 as an 'international event' to avoid his own legal risks," and added, "We hope this will not be merely a show of words, but will result in tangible diplomatic achievements."