Lee Jae-myung, the representative of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with former Presidential Chief of Staff Lim Jong-seok and said, "The normal and the abnormal should compete against each other. It's time for everyone to unite," emphasizing opposition consolidation ahead of the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol.
On the 27th, the representative met with the former Chief of Staff for lunch at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, and stated, "Discussions about conservative versus progressive, left versus right, are for another time; everyone should work together to create a normal and sensible world."
In response, the former Chief of Staff noted, "We must achieve regime change to stabilize more. Lee Jae-myung has a significant role and responsibility in preventing internal chaos and completing the impeachment process," adding, "The Democratic Party's governance alone is insufficient; all forces must unite and cooperate for a successful regime change."
The former Chief of Staff also mentioned that he would not shy away from giving harsh criticism to the representative. He said, "I want to give you constructive criticism rather than pleasant words," and added, "I will speak frankly about what is not being heard in Yeouido." He also mentioned, "I intend to support and encourage those who bravely try to compete with you and strive to surpass you."
He requested that the representative listen to various voices within the party. The former Chief of Staff expressed to Lee, "I have concerns about the need for a coalition politics based on greater diversity, so I hope you'll consider that," and suggested, "Wouldn't it be good if you firmly reestablish the complete transfer of the administrative capital or the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam mega-city that former Governor Kim Kyung-soo had implemented regardless of the election schedule?"
In response, the representative stated, "Political parties should respect diversity and always strive to overcome challenges," and emphasized, "Competition should be routine, and it's not at all about suppressing that."
Additionally, the representative emphasized, "We must guarantee diversity while not losing our centrality, and we need to pioneer areas we do not yet cover."