Lee Jaemyung, Jeong Cheongrae, and Jang Donghyuk Share a Smile and Handshake
Jang Donghyuk Jokes, "I Ate Garlic to Prepare for the Handshake"
Amicable Luncheon, But Differences on Key Issues Remain
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, smiled and shook hands during a luncheon meeting with President Lee Jaemyung on September 8. However, the two maintained opposing stances regarding the recent investigation by the special prosecutor's team into the insurrection, as well as various legislative and reform initiatives led by the Democratic Party.
Before the luncheon began at the Yongsan Presidential Office, Jeong and Jang exchanged bright smiles and a handshake. Previously, Jeong had refused to communicate with the People Power Party, declaring after his election as party leader that he "would not shake hands with forces of insurrection," which drew attention to whether the two leaders would shake hands at this event. The meeting began in an outwardly amicable atmosphere.
There was also a moment when President Lee, Jeong, and Jang joined hands and smiled broadly for the cameras. After the commemorative photo, President Lee congratulated Jang, saying, "Congratulations once again," to which Jang replied, "Thank you." When President Lee remarked, "It's a challenging environment, but I hope you can support the administration," Jang responded, "Thank you for providing an opportunity for dialogue and communication."
In his opening remarks, Jang joked, "As soon as I became party leader, I started eating garlic and mugwort to prepare for shaking hands with Representative Jeong. It hasn't even been 100 days yet, so I appreciate you agreeing to shake hands today." However, he soon expressed concerns about the Yellow Envelope Act, real estate policies, and the special prosecutor's investigation.
President Lee Jae-myung is taking a commemorative photo with Jeong Cheongrae, the leader of the Democratic Party, and Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, who attended the ruling and opposition leadership luncheon meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Jang said, "If I were to summarize my first 100 days in office, it has been a period of growing uncertainty and anxiety." He continued, "While tariff negotiations are still ongoing, incidents like the situation in Georgia have heightened public anxiety." He added, "External conditions are tough, and the business environment for domestic companies is also difficult. The Commercial Act and the Yellow Envelope Act have passed, and with the strict application of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, the construction industry is deteriorating and sluggish domestic demand continues."
Jang especially pointed out the recent attempts by the special prosecutor's team to search the offices of People Power Party lawmakers and the floor leader, stating, "If the special prosecutor continues to oppress the opposition and prevents the National Assembly from operating normally, then the real target of the investigation is not the opposition but the people and their livelihoods." He further warned, "Internationally, such excessive investigations by the special prosecutor could be seen as human rights violations or religious persecution."
The leadership of the People Power Party, including CEO Jang Donghyuk, is moving to the conference room at the National Assembly on the 8th, where a meeting with the president and opposition party leaders is scheduled. September 8, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Jang proposed, "Regarding bills to extend the special prosecutor's mandate or to establish a special tribunal, I urge the president to boldly exercise the right to request reconsideration. Otherwise, the public may misunderstand these bills as being in line with the president's intentions."
He added, "If the president plays a central role in restoring politics, the opposition will continue to criticize where necessary but will also actively cooperate on matters concerning people's livelihoods. Please keep the channels of communication open."
After Jang finished his remarks, President Lee commented, "I thought you would be even more forceful."
President Lee Jae-myung is taking a commemorative photo with participants of the ruling and opposition party leadership luncheon meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 8th. From the left, Park Juntae, Secretary to the Party Leader of the People Power Party; Park Sunghoon, Chief Spokesperson; Jang Donghyuk, Party Leader; President Lee; Jeong Cheongrae, Party Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea; Han Minsu, Secretary to the Party Leader; Park Soohyun, Chief Spokesperson. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
In his remarks, Jeong Cheongrae stated, "We must thoroughly root out and punish the ringleaders, key figures, and accomplices involved in the insurrection, leaving this as a historical lesson. We must remember that failing to punish today's crimes only encourages tomorrow's offenses," directly addressing the People Power Party.
Jeong emphasized, "South Korea must at least adhere to a zero-tolerance principle regarding insurrection and treason. There can be no division between the ruling and opposition parties when it comes to ending insurrection. Now that we have met today, I hope those responsible for martial law sincerely apologize to the people, and that both parties cooperate to bring an end to insurrection."
Regarding the Democratic Party-led reforms of the prosecution, media, and judiciary, Jeong said, "I hope the ruling and opposition parties can come together to propose good alternatives, engage in productive debates, and achieve positive outcomes. The National Assembly must embrace the public's desire for reform."
He also stated, "When it comes to diplomacy, security, and national defense, I hope the ruling and opposition parties can cooperate on a grand scale, putting the national interest ahead of partisan interests. Since today's meeting was arranged by the president, I sincerely hope it leads to the restoration of constructive dialogue between the parties."
Jeong also expressed his appreciation to President Lee, saying, "Thank you for making the Korea-U.S. summit an unprecedented success and giving the people great hope. The launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration alone has sent such a positive signal to the economy that the KOSPI index has soared to 3,200."
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