Democratic Party Elders Meet President Lee: "Korea-US Relations Should Develop into a Technological and Economic Alliance"

President Lee Holds Luncheon with Senior Advisory Council of the Democratic Party
On Inter-Korean Relations: "The President Should Remain Patient and Establish Channels for Dialogue"
On Prosecutorial Reform: "The President Must Remain Determined

On August 21, President Lee Jaemyung held a luncheon meeting with the Senior Advisory Council of the Democratic Party, where they discussed a wide range of current issues, including Korea-Japan and Korea-US summits, inter-Korean relations, and the economy. The Senior Advisory Council advised that Korea-US relations should be developed into a technological and economic alliance, and also recommended that patience should be exercised in creating channels for dialogue in inter-Korean relations.

Yonhap News

On this day, Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, briefed at the Yongsan Presidential Office, stating, "The Senior Advisory Council advised that the summit should serve as an opportunity to develop Korea-US relations into a technological and economic alliance," and added that they hoped for in-depth discussions on this matter. Woo also said, "Given North Korea's sensitivity to Korea-US joint military exercises, the Council recommended that adjustments to these exercises should be made to facilitate progress in inter-Korean and North Korea-US dialogues."

There were also remarks regarding inter-Korean issues. Woo stated, "The Senior Advisory Council expressed concern about the sharp responses from the North so far," and added, "However, since such reactions have always been shown in the past, the Council advised the President to exercise patience and work to create channels for dialogue."

Regarding Korea-Japan relations, the Council advised that it is time to move from a relationship of competition to one of cooperation. Woo said, "(The Senior Advisory Council) noted that it is meaningful that the Korea-Japan summit was held before the Korea-US summit," and added, "They said that now is the time for Korea and Japan to move beyond their past competitive relationship and develop economic cooperation."

There was also advice that economic revitalization through fiscal support is necessary. Woo explained, "The Senior Advisory Council said that, given the current severe economic situation, the government should boldly support the manufacturing sector through active fiscal measures," emphasizing that "if the manufacturing ecosystem collapses, even if an economic boom comes later, it will not be possible to revive businesses."

Regarding constitutional amendment, the Senior Advisory Council suggested that it would be best to observe and support the National Assembly's discussions. Woo said, "There was a comment that a constitutional amendment discussion with public participation would be more meaningful." On prosecution reform, he added, "(The Senior Advisory Council) emphasized that the President should remain determined and focus on completing prosecution reform."

Regarding communication between the ruling and opposition parties, the Senior Advisory Council stated, "Dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties is the most important tool in politics that cannot be neglected, and we recommend that, as has been done so far, when the opposition leadership takes office, active dialogue should be pursued with an interest in mutual communication." Woo reported that President Lee responded by saying he would keep in mind the various pieces of advice and reflect them in policy.

Yonhap News

Earlier, in his opening remarks at the luncheon, President Lee said, "I will do my utmost to create a new nation that our people desire, in line with the values of the Democratic Party and the path we have followed thus far." Attendees at the meeting included Senior Advisors Kwon Nokap and Lee Yongdeuk; former National Assembly Speakers Kim Wonki, Lim Chaejung, Chung Sye-kyun, Moon Heesang, Park Byeongseok, and Kim Jinpyo; former party leader Lee Haechan; and Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung, who attended as an advisor to the Democratic Party. From the Presidential Office, Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik, Senior Presidential Secretary Woo Sangho, and Political Secretary Kim Byungwook were present.

Senior Advisor Kwon Nokap replied, "During the five years of former President Kim Daejung's administration in 1999, I only entered the Blue House," and continued, "With President Lee's election, I am deeply grateful and moved to be invited to such a gathering for the first time in 23 years." He went on to say, "As announced in the Liberation Day address, the President's declaration to resume dialogue-based politics on North Korea issues and to seek ways to accelerate all matters related to unification has been received with joy by the entire nation," adding, "We are all grateful, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Lee once again for making such remarks." He also said, "I once again ask for the success of the Korea-US summit."

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