President Lee Meets with Non-Parliamentary Lawmakers: "Self-Destructive Acts on Diplomacy and Security Issues...I Hope for a Public-Spirited Stance"

On the 29th, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Even when looking at cases in other countries, although there may be disagreements and disputes over domestic issues, it is rare to find instances where people engage in self-destructive actions concerning foreign affairs and security. Unfortunately, it seems that such tendencies still remain to some extent within us."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking ahead of a luncheon with non-mainstream and independent lawmakers at the Blue House on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

원본보기 아이콘

President Lee made these remarks at a luncheon meeting with non-mainstream groups and independent members of the National Assembly at the main building of the Blue House on the same day, referencing the recent deterioration in external conditions. Given that opposition parties, including the People Power Party, have continued to criticize the government’s foreign policy, Lee’s comments are interpreted as highlighting the need for bipartisan cooperation on external matters.

President Lee said, "As everyone in our country recognizes, the current external situation is very unfavorable. While domestic circumstances have also been extremely turbulent, we can overcome those with our own strength. However, when it comes to worsening external environments, it is, in fact, not easy to handle those challenges solely with our own power." He continued, "To overcome such difficult situations, especially in foreign affairs domestically, I hope everyone will take a public stance." Immediately after these remarks, President Lee clarified, "Of course, I am not saying that anyone here is doing that," which drew laughter from the attendees.

President Lee also called for unity within the political sphere. He said, "The public probably wishes to see politics demonstrate its ability to unite in order to overcome this crisis. Of course, the greatest responsibility lies with me. I will do my part, and I hope everyone will join in these efforts." He added, "It would be best if we could combine the strength of the people to wisely overcome both domestic and external challenges."

President Lee also touched on the essence of politics, stating, "Politics, in its essence, is about acting on behalf of others. While it is important to uphold one’s own political beliefs, what is truly important is the betterment of the nation and the lives and future of the people."

He further emphasized, "A broad perspective is truly necessary in politics. There are small differences and individual interests, but fundamentally, we should consider what is better for the country and the people, and compete over who can do better so that the public may make their choice. That, I believe, is the essence of true politics."

Lawmakers from the National Innovation Party, Progressive Party, Reform Party, Social Democratic Party, and independent members attended the luncheon. From the Blue House, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Senior Political Advisor Cho Jung-sik, and Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Hong Ik-pyo were also present.

Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the National Innovation Party, stated, "We consider the Lee Jae-myung administration as our government, and the President as our President," and evaluated the government's economic performance. Referring to the burden of high oil prices and inflation, he said, "The structural vulnerability of energy security, due to excessive reliance on fossil fuel imports, is also being revealed." He requested that the government accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

Regarding issues such as the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju into a special metropolitan city, Seo stressed, "It is an important foundation for balanced national development, enabling regions to design their own future and overcoming the single-pole system centered on the capital area." On areas like Pyeongtaek, which have endured sacrifices for national security, he suggested, "Special sacrifices should be met with special compensation," and proposed the establishment of a stable support system.

Yoon Jong-o, floor leader of the Progressive Party, highlighted the normalization of the real estate sector and the on-site implementation of the revised Labor Union Act as key tasks. Yoon said, "I deeply sympathize with the President’s commitment to normalizing the real estate sector," and mentioned reforms to the long-term holding special deduction, making the property tax burden on ultra-high-priced homes more realistic, and addressing the issue of excessive non-business land holdings by companies.

Yoon also noted, "The instability in the monthly rent and lease market is increasing significantly," and urged the government to actively present measures to expand public rental housing and protect tenant rights. Regarding the amendment of the Labor Union Act, he requested, "Simply referring matters to the Labor Relations Commission is not enough," and called for a more proactive role by government authorities.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking before lunch with non-mainstream groups and independent lawmakers at the Blue House on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

원본보기 아이콘

Cheon Haram, floor leader of the Reform Party, raised the issue of budget support for the Jeonnam-Gwangju integration and proposed the implementation of a state responsibility system for teacher lawsuits. Cheon pointed out that the entire essential budget of 57.3 billion won for the Jeonnam-Gwangju integration was completely cut during the supplementary budget review process, stating, "The President promoted this as part of the key 'Five Poles and Three Special Zones' agenda, but now that the 'marriage' has happened, telling us to handle the costs ourselves does not seem right."

Cheon also requested, "Please establish a complaint-handling system that allows frontline teachers to avoid dealing with grievances, and implement a state responsibility system for teacher lawsuits, so that teachers do not have to be summoned to police stations and courts when incidents occur."

Han Chang-min, leader and floor leader of the Social Democratic Party, raised a wide range of issues including the Coupang controversy, the Homeplus situation, job insecurity due to the AI transition, follow-up measures after the revision of Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act, and discussions on constitutional amendment.

Han expressed concerns, stating, "There is worry that issues or policy agendas not directly mentioned by the President may be pushed aside," and called for proactive administration from the relevant ministries. Regarding the Coupang incident, he said, "Not only were the personal data of tens of millions of citizens breached, but also the abuse of small businesses and the serious infringement of labor rights are grave problems," and requested legal and institutional reforms to normalize the online platform environment.

After listening to the remarks from the leaders of each party, President Lee said, "It is unfortunate that I am only now meeting with lawmakers from minority opposition parties," and added, "I will strive to make more opportunities for meetings like this in the future."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.