President Lee on Jang Donghyuk’s Hunger Strike Meeting Proposal: “Dialogue Between Ruling and Opposition Parties Should Come First”

President Lee Jae-myung's New Year's Press Conference on the 21st
"If I engage in direct talks, what will happen to the National Assembly?"

President Lee Jae-myung is answering reporters' questions at the New Year's press conference held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 21st, President Lee Jae-myung indirectly declined the proposal for a one-on-one meeting from Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, who has been on a hunger strike for seven days, stating, "It seems that dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties should take priority at this time."

President Lee made these remarks during a press conference held at the Blue House State Guest House on the same day, under the theme "Great Transformation Achieved Together, Great Leap Enjoyed by All."

President Lee first remarked, "Communication and dialogue are important," but also expressed a principled stance by saying, "Of course, I will meet with the opposition leader if necessary, but such meetings should take place when they are needed and useful."

He further explained, "Recently, I have seen some people fabricate statements I never made and use them as a means to provoke political strife," but added, "Even so, I believe it is necessary to continue meeting."

However, President Lee emphasized, "If I engage in direct talks or so-called one-on-one dealings with individual parties, what would happen to the relationship between the ruling and opposition parties or the National Assembly in Yeouido? I believe it is appropriate to have sufficient dialogue first, and if a breakthrough is needed or if the president must make a political decision, then that is the right time to meet."