President Lee Hosts Ruling and Opposition Leaders at Presidential Residence
People Power Party Raises Concerns Over Prime Minister Nominee Kim Minseok, President Lee's Trial, and Judicial Independence
President Lee Jaemyung has drawn attention to the possibility of a "restoration of politics" by inviting the leadership of both the ruling and opposition parties to a luncheon at the presidential residence just 18 days after taking office. Although differences of opinion emerged over key issues, the fact that the opposition was treated as a dialogue partner marks a departure from the early approach of the previous administration.
The meeting at the presidential residence on the 22nd took place in the form of a 105-minute luncheon. President Lee wore a tie blending blue and red, symbolizing "unity," and emphasized the achievements of diplomacy focused on national interest and practical cooperation for the livelihood of the people. The People Power Party raised sharp political issues, such as the vetting of Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, and took a confrontational stance.
The atmosphere at the beginning of the event was amicable. President Lee highlighted his commitment to unity by saying, "My position was to meet as often and as soon 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. From the presidential office, Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik and Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sangho were present.
Regarding his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) summit, President Lee assessed, "I was surprisingly well received. There was considerable international interest, and from our perspective, it seems we were able to show that all the confusion and crisis situations in Korea have been resolved." He also stated that he would be open to hearing different opinions on domestic issues, including the push for a supplementary budget.
Kim Yongtae, who brought out a prepared speech spanning three A4 pages, and Song Eonseok raised confrontational points by bringing up allegations surrounding nominee Kim, President Lee's ongoing trial, and the issue of judicial independence. Song Eonseok also remarked, "If someone who blatantly disregards the National Assembly's confirmation hearing process becomes prime minister, please carefully consider what this would mean for relations between the ruling and opposition parties."
The ruling and opposition parties offered contrasting assessments of the June 22 luncheon. At the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting on the 23rd, Kim Byungki said, "The main topics are the recovery of the people's economy and the restoration of politics. Now is truly the golden time for economic recovery." In contrast, Song Eonseok told reporters after the meeting on the 22nd, "Communication is good," but also pointed out, "If nothing is conceded, it will be difficult to avoid public criticism that the opposition is merely being used as a prop."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
