First Policy Address Since Inauguration: Reaching Out to the Opposition
"Embracing and Accepting Small Differences"
Expressing Willingness for Cooperation Through Handshakes and Dialogue with People Power Party
On June 26, President Lee Jae Myung delivered his first address to the National Assembly since taking office, drawing significant attention both within and outside the political sphere. The occasion was a request for parliamentary cooperation regarding the formation of a supplementary budget, but it also served as an opportunity to gauge President Lee's perspective on the economy, international affairs, diplomacy and security, as well as political and social issues.
The contrast between the Democratic Party and People Power Party lawmakers was clear. Democratic Party members maintained a warm and upbeat atmosphere, greeting President Lee with handshakes and smiles. In contrast, People Power Party lawmakers welcomed him with stiff expressions. President Lee made a conscious effort to extend handshakes and make eye contact with People Power Party lawmakers, signaling his intent for bipartisan cooperation. Throughout the address, People Power Party lawmakers remained expressionless, but as President Lee exited, they responded by shaking his hand and exchanging greetings.
During his speech, when Democratic Party lawmakers applauded, President Lee remarked, "I feel a bit embarrassed since there is no reaction from the People Power Party members." He actively sought to engage the opposition, particularly when emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation. When he spoke about the spirit of cooperation, stating, "If we acknowledge and embrace small differences, we can make a new start," he directed his gaze toward the opposition. Additionally, while presenting detailed budget items, he addressed opposition lawmakers, saying, "If there are items not included in the government's supplementary budget proposal, please raise them during the parliamentary review," and added, "While we will focus on reductions, please let us know if there are necessary budget items."
President Lee Jae Myung is greeting Kwon Sung Dong, a member of the People Power Party, after delivering his first policy speech related to the government's submission of the second supplementary budget proposal at the National Assembly plenary session on the 26th. 2025.6.26 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Toward the end of his speech, President Lee again addressed People Power Party lawmakers, saying, "Thank you for being here despite the difficult circumstances." As he exited toward the opposition seats, he shook hands and conversed with opposition lawmakers. Opposition lawmakers also stood to show respect as President Lee left the chamber. President Lee was seen smiling and chatting with opposition lawmakers, including Kwon Sung Dong of the People Power Party, with whom he has a long-standing relationship.
Park Chan Dae and Jung Chung Rae, both candidates for the Democratic Party's leadership election in August, stood side by side to greet President Lee together. As President Lee left the plenary chamber, Democratic Party lawmakers chanted his name. Even after exiting the chamber, President Lee continued to converse with Democratic Party lawmakers.
Before the policy address, the ruling and opposition parties created contrasting atmospheres. Well before the plenary session began, many Democratic Party lawmakers were already waiting in the chamber. When the President entered, Democratic Party lawmakers stood and applauded to welcome him. Some even lined up in the central aisle to shake his hand. In contrast, People Power Party lawmakers, who had held a caucus meeting beforehand, entered the chamber at 10 a.m. For the most part, they remained seated and did not react with applause or other gestures during President Lee's address.
Prior to the address, President Lee, guided by National Assembly Secretary General Kim Min Ki, met with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, acting Democratic Party leader and floor leader Kim Byung Ki, and People Power Party interim leader Kim Yong Tae in the National Assembly reception room. After the address, the National Assembly passed a resolution commemorating Charles Rangel, a Korean War veteran and former chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.
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