Choo Kyung-ho and Park Chan-dae Meeting... 'Warm Atmosphere' with Underlying 'Tension'

People Power Party's Chu Kyung-ho Visits Democratic Party's Park Chan-dae
Park Chan-dae "Welcoming Gesture with Purple Necktie"
Chu Kyung-ho "Park is a Person of Excellent Character, I Respect Him"

Chu Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, and Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, who have become the heads of their respective parties in the National Assembly, met for the first time. The two emphasized that they are from the same region, showing a sense of closeness, while still displaying tension by opposing each other on political issues.

Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is exchanging greetings with Chu Kyung-ho, the floor leader of the People Power Party, at the National Assembly on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

On the 13th at around 11:30 a.m., Chu Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, visited the Democratic Party floor leader's meeting room to pay a courtesy call on Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party. Bae Jun-young, senior deputy floor leader of the People Power Party, and Park Sung-jun, senior deputy floor leader of the Democratic Party, also attended. Park came out to the door three minutes early and waited, then extended his hand with a smiling expression as Chu entered. Park said, "Congratulations as a senior who became floor leader a few days earlier," and Chu responded with a smile, saying "Yes." Right after shaking hands, Chu sat down and said, "Thank you very much for the warm welcome at the entrance," and praised Park, saying, "Our floor leader Park is always excellent and has outstanding communication skills."

Park said, "Since the People Power Party floor leader and senior deputy were coming today, I wore the most reddish purple tie I have that also has some blue mixed in," adding, "I tried to express a welcome through the color of my tie." He continued, "I sincerely hope that we will build the 22nd National Assembly together by carrying out the will of the people," and said, "It is truly important for the ruling and opposition parties to cooperate and communicate to work together for the people."

They also emphasized their shared regional background to find a connection. Park said, "I am from Andong, Gyeongbuk, but I grew up in Incheon, so I have identities from both Gyeongbuk and Incheon," and added, "Since floor leader Chu and senior deputy Bae represent Gyeongbuk and Incheon respectively, I think there is probably a sense of affinity." In response, Chu said, "One of the reasons the People Power Party elected me as floor leader despite my shortcomings is probably because floor leader Park is from Andong, so they thought that if they chose Chu Kyung-ho from Daegu and Gyeongbuk, communication would go well."

Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is guiding Chu Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, at the National Assembly on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

However, regarding the four topics that Park described as 'urgent issues,' Chu expressed, "Let's take some time." Park requested Chu's cooperation on ▲the supplementary budget for the livelihood recovery support fund ▲a proposal to the president to accept a special investigation law for the fallen Marine Corps soldiers ▲holding a standing committee meeting related to the Line incident ▲and smooth negotiations for the organization of the National Assembly. Chu said, "Since this is a courtesy visit for introductions today, if I suddenly jump into specific issues and express my views abruptly, it might hinder the conversation," and drew a line by saying, "I believe we can resolve these well through dialogue in the future."

Chu and Park then held a private meeting for about 15 minutes. It was reported that during the private meeting, they agreed to meet each other at least once a week. After the private meeting, Park told reporters, "We agreed that we should meet at least once a week to have meals and talk," and said, "We were in full agreement on that part." He did not answer when asked about the 'details discussed on specific issues.'

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