Joo Ho-young: "Please Listen to the Voices of the Opposition" Lee Cheol-hee: "I Will Accept Bitter Criticism"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Lee Cheol-hee, the new Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, met with Joo Ho-young, the acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, on the 22nd and said, "I apologize for the lack of communication with the opposition party," adding, "I will work hard to communicate and take on the role of accepting harsh criticism."

On the same day, Senior Secretary Lee paid a courtesy visit to Acting Leader Joo. Joo said, "There are many aspects of the Moon Jae-in administration's national policy direction that our party does not agree with," and added, "The purpose of the opposition party is to point out what the ruling party has not considered and to correct the risks of groupthink." He emphasized, "If you listen carefully, I believe it will help the success of national governance." He continued, "Since I became the floor leader, the senior secretaries for political affairs have only visited me once, aside from greetings. I look forward to Senior Secretary Lee coming over for a cup of tea regardless of whether there is business to discuss, so we can narrow our differences."

In response, Senior Secretary Lee said, "When I was a member of the National Assembly, my belief was that differences should be respected, not denied," and added, "I think it is the basic role of the opposition party to point out and criticize. President Moon Jae-in also specifically advised me to communicate and cooperate with the opposition party during a tea meeting after my appointment."

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