Lee Jae-myung: "Kim Ki-hyun, Eat and Drink with Friends... Policy Dialogue is Welcome"

Lee Jae-myung Rejects Kim Ki-hyun's Meal Proposal
"Willing to Engage in 'Policy Debate' Immediately"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has repeatedly expressed his intention to engage only in policy dialogue, saying, "Have meals and drinks with your friends," after it became known that he declined Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party's, invitation to dine together.

In his remarks at the party's Supreme Council meeting on the morning of the 26th, Lee said, "The economy is difficult, people's livelihoods are tough, security is in crisis, and diplomacy is even more serious," adding, "In such a situation, what is the point of politicians, who have been entrusted with the lives of our people and the future of the nation, meeting just for show, passing around soju glasses and eating meals?"

He continued, "That is why I proposed it. Having meals and drinks is good, but rather than that, let's have a public policy dialogue about the livelihoods of our people," explaining, "Let's debate, argue, and talk about how to create a better life and a better future for the Republic of Korea."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, Lee revealed that Kim rejected this proposal. He said, "Then he refused," and added, "After that, at an event, he suddenly suggested having a glass of soju, and then played to the media as if the opposition party had refused dialogue, which I find very regrettable."

He went on to say, "What I want to say is that I am willing to have a dialogue anytime, regardless of the method, about how to lead the government, how to improve the national budget, and how to support the lives of the people," adding, "I welcome policy dialogue, public policy dialogue anytime."

The previous day, Kim told reporters at the National Assembly that when asked, "After becoming party leaders, didn't you suggest meeting every two weeks?" he replied, "I tried to meet, but there was no response." Kim said, "The public does not like it when the leaders of the two parties just eat together, which I don't understand," adding, "When we meet, various talks come up, and if necessary, specific discussions take place, so I suggested at least having a meal and talking, but there was no answer."

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