Gave Lunar New Year Greetings at the Same Place... But Hwang Kyo-ahn and Yoo Seung-min Meeting Is 'Not Yet'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Liberty Korea Party and the New Conservative Party, which are in the process of party-to-party integration, each greeted Lunar New Year travelers at Seoul Station on the 23rd, ahead of the Lunar New Year. Amid speculation about a possible meeting between Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, and Yoo Seung-min, chairman of the Conservative Reconstruction Committee of the New Conservative Party, Hwang remained reserved in his remarks.

At Seoul Station that day, Hwang told reporters, "The economy is difficult, and people's livelihoods are tough, but seeing people heading home with hope, I applauded them," adding, "I will do my best to make the Republic of Korea a better place to live." He then bowed and wished a happy new year together with Liberty Korea Party lawmakers, saying, "Happy New Year." The party members and lawmakers also handed out New Year flyers to travelers with messages such as "We will achieve great unity" and "We will heed the people's mandate to judge tyranny."

The New Conservative Party greeted travelers at Seoul Station at 10 a.m., 30 minutes earlier than the Liberty Korea Party. Chairman Yoo said, "At a time when the economy is very difficult and national security is very precarious, the hearts of us politicians are truly heavy and remorseful," adding, "I and the New Conservative Party will do our utmost to ensure this country moves in the right direction."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "During this rare Lunar New Year holiday, I hope all families are happy and healthy, and even if there are difficulties, stay strong and enjoy a holiday full of laughter after a long time," adding, "This Lunar New Year seems to carry heavier expressions on many faces than usual. I think it is because various issues in our society are difficult."

The Liberty Korea Party and the New Conservative Party, which are undergoing party-to-party integration, held their Lunar New Year greetings at the same location. At the scene, a civic group critical of the integration between the Liberty Korea Party and the New Conservative Party held protest signs behind Leader Hwang with messages such as "Split up and regroup, back to the Saenuri Party" and "Run boldly in Jongno."

Earlier, Leader Hwang had proposed a meeting with Chairman Yoo before the Lunar New Year, but it was canceled after Yoo declined, saying it should be done "after consultations." When asked by reporters if a meeting would be held after the Lunar New Year, Hwang said, "It is not appropriate to talk about with whom and how because it involves the other party," adding, "The conservative right-wing must unite and pool all efforts. We will continue such efforts," remaining reserved in his remarks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.