Bipartisan Livelihood and Economic Council to Be Established,
But Meetings Will Not Be Regularized
Jung Cheongrae: "Lee Is a Harmony Maker"
First Handshake Holds Great Significance
During a luncheon with President Lee Jaemyung, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae and People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk shook hands for the first time, opening the door to bipartisan cooperation. As both parties have agreed to establish a bipartisan council on livelihood and economic issues, the ruling party plans to actively respond if the opposition leader requests a meeting.
After the luncheon between President Lee and the leaders of both parties on September 8, Democratic Party chief spokesperson Park Suhyeon met with reporters at the National Assembly in Yeouido. When asked if regular meetings were necessary for in-depth discussions within the bipartisan council, Park replied, "Of course." He added, "The announcement included a statement that if the opposition leader requests a meeting, we will make every effort to accommodate it." Park also explained, "The council is expected to proceed through working-level consultative bodies, but the specific format has not yet been determined."
Regarding the decision not to formalize the council as a regular event, Park said, "In the past, we tried to regularize such meetings, but when they were not maintained due to the political situation, it led to public disappointment and became a political burden. This time, it seems the format will reflect a flexible approach, where the ruling party will do its best to accommodate requests from the opposition leader."
Earlier, in a joint briefing about the luncheon, the chief spokespersons of both parties stated, "The party leaders have agreed to form a so-called bipartisan livelihood and economic council." They explained, "This was proposed by Leader Jang, and both President Lee and Leader Jung responded positively, making the agreement possible." President Lee reportedly said, "If the opposition first proposes common pledges and the ruling party responds so that both sides achieve results together, it will be an achievement for the opposition and a success for the administration."
The Democratic Party placed great significance on the first handshake between the two party leaders. During the public remarks at the luncheon, Leader Jung referenced the 'Peace·Pace Maker' term mentioned at the Korea-US summit, praising President Lee-who led the meeting of the party leaders-as a 'Harmony Maker.'
Spokesperson Park interpreted, "The word 'harmony' likely reflects the intention of both leaders to actively pursue cooperation and consensus." He added, "It also seems to express both gratitude and a sense of apology that, although the responsibility to resolve the political deadlock lies with the ruling party leader, the president took the initiative."
He continued, "In the statement by People Power Party chief spokesperson Park Sunghoon, the atmosphere of the meeting was described as 'candid and honest.' As the ruling party spokesperson, I would describe it as 'amicable.' I believe 'amicable' and 'candid and honest' are synonymous." He further commented, "Given the high public expectations for communication between the parties, there is now a sense of responsibility within the political sphere to maintain this image."
However, regarding the possibility of meetings between the party leaders without the president, Park drew a clear line. In response to related questions, he said, "It feels like we've just gotten engaged and are already being asked to buy wedding rings. Since we had an open and honest conversation today, I expect we will be able to resolve smaller issues step by step."
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