Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday called for unity among the newly elected leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the two former contenders from the recent leadership race, emphasizing their importance to the administration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee extended the call for unity during a dinner at Cheong Wa Dae with the newly elected DP Chair Kim Min-seok and former contenders Reps. Jung Chung-rae and Song Young-gil. Both Jung and Song competed against Kim in the party's leadership race. President Lee congratulated Kim on his election victory and offered words of encouragement to his former rivals, emphasizing that all three are integral to the administration's success.

Hong Ihk-pyo, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, conveyed in a written briefing that President Lee highlighted the partnership between the ruling party, the government, and the presidential office, stressing their shared historic mission. He urged them to collaborate in making this year the beginning of an "irreplaceable Republic of Korea."

The meeting took place just two days after the national convention on Monday, where Kim Min-seok secured victory with 54.08 percent of the vote, outpacing Jung Chung-rae, who garnered 45.92 percent.