President Lee Steps Up as Mediator Wearing a Unity Tie... First Handshake in 13 Days
President Lee: "Let's Stop Destructive Politics, I Support Politics for Everyone"
80-Minute Luncheon Meeting... One-on-One Session with Jang Afterward
Emph
Democratic Party leader Chung Cheongrae and People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk shook hands for the first time on September 8 at the Yongsan Presidential Office at the invitation of President Lee Jaemyung. President Lee wore a tie combining blue and red, symbolizing unity, and played the role of mediator. This public handshake between the two party leaders took place 13 days after Jang Donghyuk was elected at the party convention on August 26, and 37 days after Chung Cheongrae assumed his position.
Before the luncheon meeting with the ruling and opposition party leadership, President Lee held a separate 30-minute meeting with Chung Cheongrae, then entered the luncheon hall and shook hands with Jang Donghyuk. He then gestured to Chung Cheongrae, encouraging him to shake hands as well. When Jang Donghyuk extended his hand, Chung Cheongrae accepted it, making the handshake between the two party leaders a reality. While taking commemorative photos, President Lee also suggested, "How about taking the picture while holding hands?"
No sharp remarks were made during the subsequent opening statements. Jang Donghyuk joked, "I started eating garlic and mugwort to prepare for shaking hands with Chung Cheongrae. It hasn't even been 100 days, so thank you for accepting my handshake," prompting laughter. This was a lighthearted reference to Chung Cheongrae's previous refusals to shake hands, as he said, "A handshake is something you do with a person." Chung Cheongrae responded, "I hope we can have another good meeting next time," adding, "I think President Lee has become a 'harmony maker' today."
President Lee, acting as a mediator, said after the opening statements, "I fully agree that we must stop politics that destroy and instead pursue politics where everyone lives together." This was in response to Jang Donghyuk's request for him to become a president who ends the politics of defeating opponents in order to survive. This meeting between the president and the ruling and opposition party leaders was the first in 78 days since June 22.
President Lee emphasized, "I must listen to the opinions of not only the ruling party but also the opposition, as the opposition represents a portion of the people, and it is right to engage in politics for them." He added, "I will strive to listen as much as possible to the voices of the people conveyed through the opposition and ensure that the voices of all citizens are fairly reflected in state affairs."
President Lee also noted, "I have served as an opposition party leader myself," and pointed out, "Politics inevitably involves voicing the opinions of one's support base." However, he added, "At the same time, the opposition is an important national institution responsible for the country's well-being. I think it would be good to find as many mutually acceptable policies as possible and boldly implement common pledges together."
President Lee placed particular emphasis on cooperation in the fields of diplomacy and national security. While mentioning summit meetings, he said, "We are in a very difficult situation right now. Even if we argue, it would be good if we could speak with one voice on matters concerning the interests of the people and the nation." This is interpreted as a call for bipartisan cooperation from the opposition, given the recent divergent evaluations between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the Korea-Japan and Korea-US 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 believe I must now be the president of the people, the president of everyone." He pointed out, "It is truly undesirable for the ruling and opposition parties to clash excessively in the eyes of the public, leading people to question whether politics is being conducted for the people or for particular interests."
President Lee also advised Chung Cheongrae, "Since the ruling party has more, it would be good if you could yield a bit more." Chung Cheongrae responded, "I will do so."
The luncheon’s opening statements were delivered in order by Jang Donghyuk, Chung Cheongrae, and President Lee. Jang Donghyuk pointed out issues regarding the special prosecutor, while Chung Cheongrae called for the eradication of forces involved in rebellion. After his own remarks, President Lee said, "I think Jang Donghyuk may have more to say, so please speak again publicly," and added, "If you want to offer a rebuttal, please do so."
The luncheon menu featured bibimbap, symbolizing harmony, along with cabbage soybean paste soup, marinated grilled beef, and fish dishes. After the luncheon, President Lee held a separate 30-minute one-on-one meeting with Jang Donghyuk.
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