President Lee Jae Myung Greets People Power Party Lawmakers with a Smile Right After First Policy Speech
Woo Wonsik Shares Rare Photos, Saying "It Looks Pleasant"
President Lee Jae Myung is greeting members of the People Power Party after delivering the supplementary budget policy speech at the National Assembly plenary session on the 26th. Photo by Woo Wonsik SNS
National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonsik drew attention on the 26th by photographing the scene in the plenary session hall immediately after President Lee Jae Myung's policy speech and sharing it on social media. The image of President Lee smiling and shaking hands with lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties has sparked expectations for "bipartisan cooperation."
On this day, Speaker Woo posted two photos on his Facebook page, writing, "Because the scene looked so pleasant, I am unusually uploading photos taken from the Speaker's seat."
One of the photos shows President Lee approaching Yoo Yongwon, a member of the People Power Party, and greeting him with a smile. Other People Power Party lawmakers nearby are also standing up, preparing to greet President Lee. The expressions of the lawmakers also appear bright.
On the 26th, Democratic Party lawmakers stood up simultaneously in the National Assembly plenary session hall and applauded toward the People Power Party lawmakers. Photo by Woo Wonsik SNS
The other photo captures Democratic Party lawmakers standing up in unison and applauding toward the People Power Party lawmakers. Speaker Woo expressed his satisfaction, saying, "After the policy speech, while President Lee was greeting lawmakers in the opposition seats, everyone in the ruling party seats stood up and clapped."
Netizens who saw the photos responded warmly, with comments such as, "It's amazing to see such a wonderful scene in the National Assembly," "It's moving to see the National Assembly starting to think about the national interest," "I hope this isn't just a 'show,'" "I hope the friendly atmosphere continues," "Whether it's the ruling or opposition party, please join forces. The people are struggling," "Such a heartwarming photo," "In these difficult times, unity is even more important," and "It's awkward to see this after only seeing fights, but it's still nice to see."
President Lee Jae Myung is delivering a supplementary budget policy speech at the National Assembly plenary session on the 26th. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group=Yonhap News
Meanwhile, in his speech that day, President Lee emphasized the urgent economic situation and explained the need for a supplementary budget. He stated, "Right now, the Republic of Korea is going through a very serious period," and stressed, "Now is the time for the government to step up so that the economy can rebound." He added, "They say 'the economy is about timing.' I believe this is exactly that timing," and said, "I determined that it is important to inject vitality into our economy, especially the domestic market, through the swift formulation and prompt execution of the supplementary budget."
After President Lee finished his speech and moved to greet lawmakers, not only Democratic Party lawmakers but also People Power Party lawmakers stood up to see him off. President Lee shook hands with about 40 People Power Party lawmakers. He was also seen whispering or conversing with People Power Party lawmakers Lim Jongdeuk and Kwon Seongdong. While shaking hands with Kwon Seongdong, President Lee smiled and lightly tapped Kwon's right arm with his left hand. Most of the People Power Party lawmakers who shook hands with President Lee remained standing in their seats until he exited the hall.
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