Party leaders meet for first time as tensions flare in Assembly

President Lee Jae Myung looks on as Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Jung Chung-rae, left, and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok shake hands before their luncheon and meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung met with main opposition People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyeok and ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Jung Chung-rae for a luncheon at the presidential office Monday, just days before his 100th day in office.

In the president’s first meeting with the leader of the main opposition party since taking office, Jang expressed concern that “uncertainty and anxiety have grown” under the new administration. He cited a number of issues, including stalled tariff negotiations, the recent detention of more than 300 South Korean workers at a factory in the United States, a worsening domestic business climate and rising security threats from North Korea, China and Russia.

The luncheon was followed by a scheduled one-on-one session between Lee and Jang.

The meeting was viewed as a test of the president’s ability to restart political dialogue ahead of a potentially confrontational session in the National Assembly over contentious bills, including proposals to expand special counsel investigations and detain a senior opposition lawmaker.

The gathering opened with a symbolic handshake between Jung and Jang, following Lee’s suggestion that they pose for a group photo together. This gesture was particularly significant, given that Jung had previously refused to shake hands with PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog during a political dispute earlier this year.

Jang also criticized the ongoing special counsel investigations into last year’s martial law fiasco, describing them as excessive and politically motivated. He claimed that the investigations were stifling the opposition and hindering parliamentary proceedings, and urged Lee to consider using his veto power if necessary.

In response, Jung stressed that those involved in the insurrection should be “thoroughly punished” under a zero-tolerance policy. He also praised Lee for securing the release of the detained workers in Georgia, as well as for what he described as a successful summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Jung presented the luncheon as an opportunity to promote reforms in the areas of prosecution, the media and the judiciary, emphasizing that political progress should ultimately improve the people’s livelihoods.

Seeking to cast himself as a mediator, Lee said: “Although I am from the DPK, I must be a president for all the people.” He emphasized the importance of regular dialogue in reducing misunderstandings, and called for an end to destructive politics and a move toward coexistence.

Following the meeting, the three leaders agreed to set up an advisory body on the people’s livelihoods and the economy. The details will be finalized during working-level talks.

President Lee Jae Myung meets with Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Jung Chung-rae, left, and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok for lunch followed by a meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

The luncheon took place shortly after the start of the regular parliamentary session. The DPK is preparing to push forward with a special counsel bill expanding investigations into allegations of insurrection and corruption involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, as well as the death of a Marine corporal deployed on a search and rescue mission during last year's rainy season. The PPP has denounced these moves as “parliamentary dictatorship” and threatened to counter them with a filibuster or even street rallies.

The Assembly is also set to vote on a motion later this week on whether to consent to the detention of PPP Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, who has been accused of receiving illicit funds. Whichever way the vote goes, the outcome is expected to intensify partisan divisions.

Jung is scheduled to deliver his policy address on Tuesday, with Jang to follow on Wednesday. Both speeches are expected to further highlight the contrast between the DPK’s call to “end insurrection” and the PPP’s warnings of political suppression.

At the end of the luncheon, the three leaders reiterated their positions.

Jang said, “It is time to move beyond the politics of survival and focus on safeguarding the people’s livelihoods.”

Jung added, “Reform and democracy must advance together with economic stability.”

Lee concluded, “This should not be the end, but the beginning of dialogue. I hope we can continue to meet and share responsibilities for the nation.”