Yoon meets ruling party leaders to mend strained relations
President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon, during an official dinner held at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of presidential office
President Yoon Suk Yeol and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) leadership held a dinner meeting in Seoul on Tuesday to encourage the newly appointed members and discuss pressing state affairs, according to the presidential office.
This marks the second official dinner between Yoon and the ruling party leadership in two months, following their first meeting held shortly after the party convention in late July. The second dinner, initially planned for the end of August, was postponed until after the Chuseok holiday to more effectively address pressing livelihood issues.
From the presidential office, 12 key officials were present, including Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk, National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik, National Policy Director Sung Tae-yoon, and several senior secretaries. On the PPP side, 14 key party leaders attended, including Chairman Han Dong-hoon, floor leader Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, and members of the party's Supreme Council.
The dinner took place in the fountain garden at the presidential office, where Yoon and senior aides from the presidential office sat across from ruling party members, who were all dressed in business attire without ties.
President Yoon Suk Yeol laughs with Chung Jin-suk, left, presidential chief of staff, People Party (PPP) Leader Han Dong-hoon, second from right, and PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho, right, at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of presidential office
As previously noted by the presidential office, there was no private one-on-one meeting between Yoon and the ruling party leader. Despite the absence of such a discussion, the atmosphere during the 90-minute dinner remained friendly and amicable.
The president expressed his intention to invite party leaders to the venue, highlighting that this was his first dinner held there.
"Since our party leader Han enjoys meat, we prepared beef and pork," he said, seeking to emphasize his rapport with the PPP chief despite their strained relations. The two have a long history as close colleagues from their days as prosecutors before entering politics.
During the meal, they discussed relations between the ruling and opposition parties, the upcoming National Assembly audit, Yoon's recent visit to the Czech Republic and the nuclear power industry ecosystem.
"This dinner serves as an introductory meeting, with the new leadership team now in place. It offers President Yoon the chance to share the outcomes of his Czech Republic visit while allowing the party to convey the public's sentiment from the Chuseok holiday and present suggestions to the government. The event aims to strengthen communication channels and build a network for ongoing collaboration between the government and the ruling party," an official at the presidential office explained.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, sixth from right, and People Power Party Han Dong-hoon, sixth from left, raise their fists in solidarity with key senior presidential aides and party leadership members. Courtesy of presidential office
Meanwhile, the presidential office, which had declined Han's request for a private meeting with Yoon on Tuesday, left open the possibility for a future discussion. The office stated that "it is a matter that requires separate coordination."
Han had sought a private meeting to address various pressing political issues, including conflicts over medical reforms and a legislative dispute concerning a special investigation bill related to first lady Kim Keon Hee. Han and his close aides believe that a one-on-one discussion is crucial for a candid exchange on these matters.
However, within the party, particularly among pro-Yoon factions, there has been criticism of the timing and manner of Han's request. Critics argue that such requests are usually not publicized before a meeting is finalized, and they have raised concerns about potential political motives behind Han’s widely publicized call for a one-on-one meeting.