Jeong Cheongrae Proposes to People Power Party: "Suspend All Political Strife During APEC Summit"

On Criticism of President Lee's Variety Show Appearance by the Opposition:
"Their Arguments Are Becoming Increasingly Unreasonable"

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed to the People Power Party that all political strife be put on hold during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 10th. 2025.10.10 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the Supreme Council meeting of the Democratic Party held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on October 10, Jeong stated, "If the People Power Party truly cares about our economy, and if they care about South Korea even a little rather than just their own interests, I propose that all political disputes be suspended for the duration of the APEC summit."

Jeong added, "President Lee Jaemyung reviewed preparations for the APEC summit even during the holiday period. I do not believe that the People Power Party would go so far as to undermine the national interest during the APEC period, when heads of state are visiting. However, to alleviate public anxiety, I propose in advance a declaration of a non-confrontational APEC period." He went on to say he expects "a sincere response" from the People Power Party.

In response to criticism from the People Power Party regarding President Lee Jaemyung and his spouse appearing on the JTBC variety show 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator' on October 6, Jeong raised his voice in defense.

Jeong asserted that the President's appearance on the show was "an opportunity for President Lee to act as an ambassador for K-culture on a program broadcast worldwide via Netflix. He promoted the excellence of K-food to the world, and it was a model example of cultural diplomacy, as evidenced by the program achieving its highest ratings ever."

He criticized the People Power Party, saying, "They are obsessed with spreading fake news about President Lee's appearance on 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator.' They have been busy disparaging these achievements, and as public interest has grown, so has the People Power Party's unreasonable criticism."

He continued, "After the government resource fire, the People Power Party claimed the president was missing and talked about the 'lost 48 hours.' Now that these claims have been proven false, they are making a fuss about why the president appeared on a variety show at this time. They ignored the public's anger over the three years lost because of Yoon Sukyeol, but now they are outraged by President Lee Jaemyung's approachable image as he draws closer to the people."

Jeong emphasized, "Even if they keep talking about the 'lost 48 hours,' it only reminds people of Park Geunhye's lost seven hours and Yoon Sukyeol's lost three years. It's like saying, 'Don't think about an elephant'-it only makes you think about it more."

Finally, Jeong stressed, "Even if the People Power Party tries to distort public opinion, the achievements of the Lee Jaemyung administration cannot be hidden, nor can the failures and cover-ups of rebellion by Yoon Sukyeol be erased."