Leadership Luncheon Without People Power Party... President Lee Urges Opposition to Unite on Diplomacy and Security

Lee Holds Luncheon with Ruling and Opposition Leaders on the 16th
People Power Party Leadership Absent
"Hope for Your Support in Achieving National Unity"

President Lee Jae-myung is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at a luncheon hosted for party leadership at Sangchunjae, the Blue House, on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung, during a luncheon with the leadership of both the ruling and opposition parties on the 16th, stated, "I would like to once again strongly urge the opposition delegation to join forces as much as possible on external relations, national security, and diplomatic issues."

President Lee made these remarks at a luncheon held at Sangchunjae in the Blue House, inviting party leaders. He said, "After visiting China and Japan, I truly felt that the status of the Republic of Korea has changed significantly," and added, "Therefore, I believe that we must join forces as much as possible in external relations. For that, even greater effort is needed," explaining the intent behind his remarks.

This luncheon was organized by President Lee at the start of the new year to directly outline the main direction of state affairs and to request cooperation for the recovery of people's livelihoods and national stability. Attendees included Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, Kim Jayeon, leader of the Progressive Party, Yoon Jongoh, floor leader of the Progressive Party, Chun Haram, floor leader of the Reform Party, Yong Hyein, leader and floor leader of the Basic Income Party, and Han Changmin, leader and floor leader of the Social Democratic Party. The main opposition party, People Power Party, did not attend.

President Lee also expressed his commitment to national unity. He stated, "Our people have very diverse thoughts and positions, and I am increasingly convinced that we must strive to reflect all of them as much as possible," emphasizing, "We must guarantee diversity to the fullest extent." He continued, "Although I briefly served as the leader of the Democratic Party, now, even though I still hold party membership, I am in a position where I must represent all citizens, so I should not work only for the blue side," and added, "Although our positions are diverse, I would appreciate it if all party leaders could be considerate and supportive regarding national unity."

Among current issues, he requested cooperation on local decentralization policies. President Lee pointed out, "There are many problems caused by the concentration of power in the Seoul metropolitan area," and noted, "In particular, the issue of electricity rates is emerging as an immediate constraint." He continued, "I ask for greater attention to local decentralization and balanced regional development as ways to overcome the dominance of the Seoul metropolitan area, and if there are any possible ways to cooperate, I ask that we join forces as much as possible." Regarding discussions on regional integration between Chungnam, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Jeonnam, President Lee said, "If metropolitan cities are created, it will be advantageous in international competition and could be a major turning point for balanced regional development," adding, "From the perspective of strengthening local autonomy and decentralization, we intend to guarantee the maximum possible incentives."