Luncheon Meeting with Ruling and Opposition Leaders at Presidential Residence on June 22
Sharing Outcomes of G7 Summit, Discussing Swift Passage of Supplementary Budget
President Lee Jaemyung invited the leadership of both the ruling and opposition parties to the presidential residence for a luncheon meeting on June 22, just 18 days after his inauguration. This move is seen as an effort to resolve pressing domestic and international issues through communication with the opposition, while also signaling his intention to accelerate the administration of state affairs. During the meeting, President Lee emphasized the achievements of diplomacy centered on national interests and the importance of practical cooperation for the livelihood of the people. Meanwhile, the opposition focused on political issues such as the vetting of Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, continuing their criticism and drawing clear lines of contention.
President Lee highlighted his commitment to unity, stating, "My position was to meet as often and as quickly as possible," and even suggested, "Shall we shake hands?" while taking a commemorative photo. Attendees included Kim Byungki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, Kim Yongtae, interim leader of the People Power Party, and Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party. From the presidential office, Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik and Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sangho were also present.
In his opening remarks, President Lee assessed that his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) summit served as an opportunity to showcase the values and resilience of democracy. He said, "I would like to share the results of attending the G7 summit. The G7 meeting was surprisingly welcoming. There was considerable international attention, and from our perspective, it seemed to demonstrate that all of Korea's confusion and crisis situations have been resolved." He added, "I hope that we can continue to coordinate well on external issues and move forward together."
President Lee also expressed his willingness to listen to different opinions on domestic issues. He said, "I hope you will use this occasion to share your thoughts on domestic matters as well. Not only recently, but for quite some time, the Korean economy has faced difficulties. It seems everyone agrees that the public is experiencing significant hardship."
He continued, "In particular, we need to implement the supplementary budget bill this time. It is natural to have differing opinions on policy. I am aware that there are differing views, but I will listen to them thoroughly, make adjustments where necessary, and reach consensus where possible, aiming to proceed as quickly as possible."
Prime Minister Nominee Vetting and Supplementary Budget Side Effects... Opposition Leadership Draws Clear Lines
During the meeting, the opposition leadership focused their criticism on the vetting process for Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok. Interim leader Kim Yongtae pointed out, "There are significant issues with the vetting of the nominee, and his attitude during the process is also inappropriate." Floor leader Song Eonseok added, "Before even undergoing a confirmation hearing, the nominee has been receiving briefings from government ministries and visiting sites accompanied by vice ministers, displaying an arrogant attitude. Disregarding the National Assembly will not contribute to the President's success," he criticized.
Regarding economic policy, Kim Yongtae urged, "Please thoroughly review the possibility that expansionary fiscal policy could exacerbate inflation. Structuring the supplementary budget around consumption coupons and debt relief could create a sense of deprivation among diligent debtors." Song Eonseok also stated, "We need to create a better environment for businesses and improve rigid systems such as the 52-hour workweek."
On diplomacy and security, the opposition positively evaluated the achievements of G7 diplomacy but also stressed the need for an early Korea-U.S. summit, the resolution of trade issues, and bipartisan cooperation in foreign affairs. Kim Yongtae emphasized, "Diplomacy and security are matters that determine the future of the nation, so the ruling and opposition parties, along with the administration, must pool their wisdom to realize the national interest."
In response, President Lee listened attentively to the opposition's criticism and suggestions, maintaining the principled position that it is appropriate to wait for nominee Kim's explanations during the confirmation hearing. He also expressed his concerns that the current atmosphere of scrutinizing even family backgrounds discourages talented individuals from accepting government posts, and agreed on the need to improve the confirmation hearing system.
Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said, "I appreciate the President's willingness to cooperate, and we will strive to achieve good results in both the supplementary budget and the confirmation hearings. It is important to thoroughly verify the facts through the hearings before making any judgments." He added, "There is a need to improve the system, including revising the Confirmation Hearing Act. Building trust is the starting point for cooperation."
Meanwhile, regarding the conflict over the redistribution of standing committee chairmanships between the ruling and opposition parties, President Lee listened to the opposition's position and, according to Senior Presidential Secretary Woo, stated that "this is an issue that should be negotiated well between the ruling and opposition parties in the National Assembly."
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