Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Monday met with the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), as he seeks to create politics of solidarity and mutual benefit. Lee held the luncheon meeting with DP leader Jung Chung-rae and PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk at the presidential office, both of whom were elected party chiefs last month.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting was held ahead of the National Assembly's opening of a regular session. President Lee emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "The greatest responsibility of a president is to unite the people. I will make every effort to listen not only to the opposition leader but also to voices from the opposition political camp and, through them, the voices of the people." He suggested that the parties find common ground and jointly implement shared pledges.
DP leader Jung Chung-rae reiterated his call for "zero tolerance" toward those responsible for ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law in December. Jung stressed the need for strict punishment and stronger institutional safeguards to prevent such events from recurring. He called for the punishment of the ringleaders and advocated for reforms of the prosecution, media, and judiciary.
On the other hand, PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk urged President Lee to use his veto power to block DP-led bills that aim to extend the special counsel investigation into allegations related to martial law and to establish a special court for trials related to Yoon's insurrection charges. Jang stated, "Right now, people want the president, not the special prosecution," and suggested that President Lee focus on reviving livelihoods and restoring politics.
Jang also requested the establishment of a communication channel among the government and ruling and opposition parties to ensure closer consultations on pending issues. Following the three-way meeting, President Lee held a separate one-on-one session with Jang, accepting the PPP leader's request.