President Lee Meets Ruling and Opposition Leaders: "I Agree We Must End Destructive Politics and Pursue Inclusive Politics"

President Lee Jae-myung is watching Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk shake hands during a luncheon meeting with party leaders at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On September 8, President Lee Jae-myung met with leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties and stated, "I completely agree with the idea that we must stop destructive politics and pursue politics where everyone can live together."

President Lee made this remark at the Yongsan Presidential Office in response to People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, who said, "Please become a president who puts an end to politics where one must destroy the opponent to survive." On this day, President Lee held a luncheon meeting with Jang Dong-hyuk, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, and other party leaders. This was the first meeting between the president and party leaders in 78 days since June 22.

President Lee emphasized, "I must listen not only to the ruling party but also to the opposition, and since the opposition represents a portion of the people, it is right to do politics for them as well." He added, "I will make every effort to listen as much as possible to the voices of the opposition and the people as heard through the opposition, and work to ensure that the voices of all citizens are fairly reflected in state affairs."

President Lee also remarked, "I have also served as an opposition party leader," and acknowledged, "In politics, there is inevitably an aspect where you must represent the voices of your support base." However, he continued, "At the same time, the opposition is also a crucial national institution responsible for the management of the country. I believe it would be a good approach for both sides to identify as many mutually acceptable issues as possible and boldly implement common pledges together."

In particular, President Lee stressed the importance of cooperation in the fields of diplomacy and security. While mentioning summits, he said, "The current situation is very difficult," and added, "While we may have disagreements, I hope we can speak with one voice when it comes to matters concerning the interests of the people and the nation." This is interpreted as a call for bipartisan cooperation from the opposition, especially as differing evaluations have emerged between the ruling and opposition parties following recent Korea-Japan and Korea-U.S. summits.

President Lee also expressed concern about the extreme conflict between the ruling and opposition parties. He said, "Although I am a president from the Democratic Party, I now believe I must be the president for the people, the president for everyone." He pointed out, "It is truly undesirable for the ruling and opposition parties to clash excessively in a way that makes people wonder whether politics is being done for the people or for particular interests."

President Lee also offered advice to leader Jeong, saying, "As the ruling party, you have more, so it would be good if you could yield a bit more." Leader Jeong responded, "I will do so."

Meanwhile, the luncheon began with remarks from leader Jang, followed by leader Jeong, and then President Lee. Leader Jang raised concerns about the special prosecutor, while leader Jeong called for the eradication of insurrectionist forces. After finishing his opening remarks, President Lee said, "I think leader Jang may have more to say, so please speak again publicly," and added, "If there are points you wish to rebut, please do so."