Will the 'Myeongnak Meeting' Happen Again? ...Cynicism Calls It Just for "Photo Ops"

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon has been continuously clashing with current leader Lee Jae-myung's administration, while Lee Jae-myung emphasized 'harmony' and ordered the deletion of a post petitioning for Lee Nak-yeon's expulsion from the party. This has raised expectations for a meeting between the two, known as the 'Myeong-Nak meeting,' but cynical responses suggest it will ultimately be nothing more than a 'photo opportunity.'

On the 7th, former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won said on MBC's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" program, "I have called and texted Lee Jae-myung, telling him to 'persuade Lee Nak-yeon,' and he said he would do it," adding, "He said they are communicating. They must be pushing for the (Myeong-Nak meeting) now."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The possibility of the Myeong-Nak meeting has been raised as Lee Jae-myung recently emphasized 'harmony' amid factional conflicts within the party. On the 6th, during an on-site meeting with reporters, he said, "Unity and communication within our party are very important, so I intend to keep communication and dialogue open to everyone and proceed with consultations." Former NIS Director Park also claimed on his social media that Lee Jae-myung is planning meetings not only with Lee Nak-yeon but also with non-Myeong faction figures known as the 'Five Pro-Approval Members.'

As factional conflicts intensify, former Blue House Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok also voiced on social media, "I cannot imagine the general election without Lee Jae-myung, but I hope everyone seriously acknowledges the grave situation where Lee alone cannot win the election," emphasizing, "Only unity and solidarity are the answer."

However, there are also negative views about whether the Myeong-Nak meeting will take place. Former Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Choi Jae-sung said on YTN's "News King with Park Ji-hoon" that "Judging from Lee Nak-yeon's recent remarks and signs, it seems he has somewhat organized his thoughts and is speaking based on that," adding, "In my view, the possibility of the (Myeong-Nak meeting) is quite low."

Although Lee Jae-myung sent a message that 'politics of unity and solidarity are necessary,' it is considered too late. He explained, "Lee Jae-myung's message falls short both in method and timing, and conversely, from Lee Nak-yeon's perspective, it might feel like his thoughts have already been somewhat settled," adding, "Therefore, the meeting itself is unlikely to secure any significant meaning or momentum, and in this regard, I think the chance of them meeting is not very high."

Even if the two overcome these negative expectations and meet, it is uncertain whether factional conflicts will subside. The two sides met at the end of July, but factional conflicts have only intensified since then. Lee Won-wook, a Democratic Party lawmaker and one of the 'Five Pro-Approval Members,' said on BBS's "Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal" that "There is a very high possibility that Lee Nak-yeon will not accept Lee Jae-myung's hand of reconciliation and that it will be just for taking photos," evaluating it as "(Lee Jae-myung extending his hand to Lee Nak-yeon is) a gesture."

Lee Nak-yeon himself expressed skepticism on YTN's "News Rider" on the same day, saying, "If it's just taking a photo and appearing united, it has no meaning. It was like that last time as well."

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