Yoon Holds Lunch with Non-Standing Party Committee Chairs: "Jusapa Is Neither Progressive Nor Left-Wing" (Comprehensive)

Yoon "It Is Important to Have a Firm Belief in Liberal Democracy"
Presidential Office "Mentioned the President's Basic Principle as the Duty to Protect the Nation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] "If you sympathize with freedom and democracy, whether progressive or left-wing, you can cooperate and compromise, but the Juche faction that follows North Korea is neither progressive nor left-wing. Cooperation with hostile anti-state forces is impossible."

President Yoon made these remarks during a luncheon meeting held at the Defense Convention Center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where he invited out-of-parliament party association chairpersons of the People Power Party, according to the presidential office spokesperson.

When one party association chairperson mentioned recent provocations and threats from North Korea and said that they must not be overwhelmed by pro-North Juche faction forces, President Yoon reiterated the importance of freedom and democracy.

President Yoon also emphasized, "The economy is difficult both domestically and internationally, and the security situation is not easy. At times like these, the most important thing is for us to have a firm belief and confidence in the liberal democratic system ourselves."

President Yoon mentioned not only liberal democracy but also the re-advancement of the Republic of Korea. He said, "When I declared my political intentions and stood before the people, I decided to give my all. Even if there are shortcomings, I will do my best," and urged, "Let us all unite with one heart and one mind to make the Republic of Korea leap forward again and create a nation where all citizens prosper together."

The presidential office spokesperson explained regarding these remarks, "This means that there can be no compromise with forces attempting to overthrow the Republic of Korea, and it refers to the basic principle of the president whose primary duty is 'national security.' Also, these remarks mean that if one shares the constitutional spirit of liberal democracy and market economy, cooperation with anyone is possible. It is a statement emphasizing the constitutional spirit and the president's duties."

At this meeting, Emergency Committee Chairperson Jung responded, "With a new determination, I will do my best for the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol government." Floor Leader Joo Ho-young also said, "I often hear from out-of-parliament chairpersons that there is no channel to convey opinions on budget or policies," and promised, "I will create a floor deputy representative channel to frequently discuss various issues with out-of-parliament chairpersons."

Deputy Spokesperson Cheon explained, "This meeting was arranged to express gratitude for the hard work of party association chairpersons who have worked together on the front lines," and added, "After being postponed once due to the COVID-19 situation, the meeting held today will serve as an opportunity for the presidential office to collect opinions from party association chairpersons with expertise in various fields and use them as a driving force for the recovery of the people's livelihood economy."

About 100 people attended the luncheon, including party association chairpersons Na Kyung-won (Seoul Dongjak-gu Eul), Jung Yoo-seop (Incheon Bupyeong-gap), Shim Jang-soo (Gyeonggi Namyangju-gap), Kyung Dae-soo (Chungbuk Jeungpyeong·Jincheon·Eumseong), Kim Hang-sul (Jeonbuk Jeongeup·Gochang), and Kim Young-jin (Jeju Jeju-si Gap).

From the ruling party, Emergency Committee Chairperson Jung Jin-seok, Floor Leader Joo Ho-young, Policy Committee Chairperson Sung Il-jong, Deputy Head of Organization Eom Tae-young, Secretary-General of the Emergency Committee No Yong-ho, and Chief Spokesperson Park Jeong-ha attended. From the presidential office, Chief Secretary Kim Dae-gi, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Lee Jin-bok, Senior Secretary for Civil Society Kang Seung-gyu, Political Secretary 1 Jeon Hee-kyung, and Political Secretary 2 Jang Kyung-sang were present.

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