Yoon Holds Luncheon with National Assembly Committee Chairs After Policy Speech: "Time to Unite for a New Leap Forward"

Ruling and Opposition Floor Leaders Also Express Willingness to Cooperate
"From a May Dongju Relationship to a Mutual Aid Relationship"

President Yoon Suk-yeol repeatedly urged cooperation on the 31st, telling the National Assembly Speaker and Standing Committee Chairs, "It is time for us to unite in a bipartisan and all-inclusive manner to overcome the difficulties faced by the people and to make a new leap forward for future generations by working together."

President Yoon made these remarks during a luncheon with the National Assembly Standing Committee Chairs held at Sangchunjae in the National Assembly in the afternoon. He said, "Currently, there are many external crisis situations worldwide in areas such as the economy and security, and the livelihood of our people is difficult." This was the first time President Yoon held a luncheon with the National Assembly Standing Committee Chairs after his policy speech on the 2024 budget and fund operation plan and the subsequent meeting with the Standing Committee Chairs.

President Yoon expressed his gratitude, saying, "Coming to the National Assembly today and having many conversations with our lawmakers, I think this is the most comfortable and joyful day since my inauguration."

President Yoon Seok-yeol, having delivered the 2024 budget and fund management plan policy speech, is giving a greeting at a luncheon with the chairpersons of the National Assembly standing committees and the floor leaders of both ruling and opposition parties held at Sarangjae of the National Assembly on the 31st.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Earlier, in his opening remarks at the meeting held in the reception room of the National Assembly building, President Yoon said, "Although this is my third visit to the National Assembly, it seems this is the first time I am with all the Standing Committee Chairs together," and added, "I will listen carefully to the government's administration and the opinions of the National Assembly."

National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo also urged bipartisan cooperation, saying, "The more difficult the economy, the more the National Assembly and the government should show that they are working hand in hand," and added, "Only then can we give even a small hope to the people." He especially hoped that "today's meeting would be received as a meaningful signal that 'politics of dialogue and compromise has begun' for our people," emphasizing the saying "통즉불통" (Tongjeukbultong), meaning "communication prevents pain for the people."

Floor leaders of both ruling and opposition parties also expressed their willingness to cooperate. Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, called for respect and consideration toward the opposition, while Yoon Jae-ok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, responded, "I deeply acknowledge and will practice this," adding, "If the relationship between the ruling and opposition parties was like 'May and October sharing a house' (Owol Dongju), I hope it will now become a relationship of 'sharing the same boat and helping each other' (Dongju Gongje)." Hong also requested President Yoon, "This is not to speak about the president's responsibility, but unfortunate incidents have repeated several times," and asked, "I hope the president would extend a warm hand regarding the Itaewon tragedy and the Osong tragedy, and communicate and listen to those affected at the site."

At the luncheon, President Yoon recalled the remarks made by Speaker Kim and the floor leaders during the meeting, promising, "I remembered everything you said earlier at the meeting and will do my best to reflect it in state affairs."

The luncheon, themed on harmony and communication, was prepared by Jingwansa Temple. The menu included five-colored tofu soup symbolizing auspiciousness and harmony, and root vegetables, which were the food of the common people.

In addition to Speaker Kim and the floor leaders of both parties, the meeting and luncheon were attended by Jang Je-won, Chair of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee; Lee Sang-heon, Chair of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee; Park Jung, Chair of the Environment and Labor Committee; Seo Sam-seok, Chair of the Budget and Accounts Committee; Kwon In-sook, Chair of the Gender Equality and Family Committee; Shin Dong-geun, Chair of the Health and Welfare Committee; Kim Gyo-heung, Chair of the Public Administration and Security Committee; Kim Cheol-min, Chair of the Education Committee; Kim Do-eup, Chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee; Baek Hye-ryun, Chair of the Political Affairs Committee; Kim Tae-ho, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee; So Byung-hoon, Chair of the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee; Kim Min-gi, Chair of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee; Park Deok-heum, Chair of the Intelligence Committee; Lee Jae-jung, Chair of the Industry, Trade and Energy Committee; Han Ki-ho, Chair of the National Defense Committee; and Kim Sang-hoon, Chair of the Strategy and Finance Committee.

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