The new leader of the ruling Saenuri Party Lee Jung-hyun on Wednesday outlined his desire for closer ties with the presidential office, saying he would prioritize tackling livelihood, economic and security issues.
The third-term lawmaker, a stalwart loyalist to President Park Geun-hye, was elected at the ruling party's national convention in a boost to the mainstream party faction closely affiliated with the chief executive.
"What is critical is to take care of the nation, its people, and livelihood, economic and security issues with the president at the center of the efforts," Lee told reporters after paying his respects at the Seoul National Cemetery.
"I will focus the party's attention on helping (the Park) administration handle urgent pending issues in a direction that citizens want," he added.
The conservative party's first chairman from the country's liberal-leaning southwestern region vowed to push for reform in the nation's politics long mired in ideological and partisan squabbling, and seemingly endless factional strife.
"In the process (of political reform), I will not conceal (what seems to be unfavorable to the party). I will push for reform from the perspective of the people," the party chief said.
At Tuesday's national convention, the ruling party also elected five members of its decision-making Supreme Council, forming a new leadership that replaced an interim one set up in the wake of the party's crushing defeat in the April 13 parliamentary elections.
Park plans to invite the new Saenuri leadership for a luncheon at her office Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday.
At the luncheon, Park is expected to call on them to seek changes and unity in the party, her aide said.
Later in the day, Lee presided over a Supreme Council session for the first time, during which he stressed that he would pursue a "leadership that serves the people."
"(We) will reach out to the regular citizens and those left out in the cold in our society, rather than forcing them to visit us (to have their voices heard)," the Saenuri chief said.
During the council session, party floor leader Rep. Chung Jin-suk said that he would assist the new leader to fulfill the party's overarching missions -- helping the Park administration successfully manage state affairs and winning next year's presidential election. (Yonhap)