Kang Hoon, the Deputy Minister of the Office of the President, said on the 28th regarding the meeting proposal between President Lee Jae-myung and the ruling and opposition party leaders, "We can discuss any topic that the opposition desires." Kang noted at a press briefing introducing the results of the South Korea-U.S. summit in the afternoon, "The President fundamentally recognizes that communication with the opposition must be sufficient and has the willingness to actively pursue that communication."
However, the People Power Party stated that there was no formal proposal from the Office of the President and that they would decide whether to accept it after negotiating through official channels. In response, Kang said, "Didn't the Chief of Political Affairs go and speak yesterday (27th)? If it's an official proposal, should it be sent in writing?" He added, "The Chief of Political Affairs engages in political activities representing the Office of the President, and he has already conveyed the President's message. It seems he mentioned the agenda as well."
Since Chief of Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho publicly requested a meeting and it was reported in the media, it already bears the meaning of a formal proposal. Kang stated, "Compared to the time it took for the former government president to meet with the opposition leader, the frequency is now much higher and the content is also becoming more diverse," adding, "It is hard to understand why we cannot meet because the agenda does not match or the format is not good."
Former President Yoon Suk-yeol met with the opposition leader for the first time in the two years since his inauguration last April. At that time, the opposition leader, President Lee, took out a prepared document and read it for about 15 minutes, which garnered attention. After mentioning the People Power Party's defeat in the 22nd National Assembly elections, he called for the President's determination, stating, "The will of the people shown in the elections is a stern command to 'correct the mismanagement of the state.'"
Kang urged the People Power Party to "consider the sincere proposal from the Office of the President with a broader mindset to help alleviate the frustrations of the people and the frustrations of politics." He particularly emphasized the achievements of trust built between the leaders of the two countries during the South Korea-U.S. summit, stating, "I don't understand why the Republic of Korea hasn't been able to clear misunderstandings like President Trump, who, within two hours, can resolve misunderstandings and strengthen relations. It seems that there are still many misunderstandings in talking after we meet in Korea."
◇"Kim Jong-un's attendance at China's Victory Day was previously acknowledged"
Regarding reports that Kim Jong-un, the Chairman of the Workers' Party of North Korea, will attend the Victory Day in China, Kang stated, "The government was already aware through related agencies in advance." He added, "This South Korea-U.S. summit also has these influences as a base," suggesting that "therefore, we could interpret the successful outcomes as an extension of the flow of movements here." He also pointed out that "there is a task of wisely managing relations with neighboring countries such as China and Russia after the summit."
Kang commented on President Lee inviting President Trump to the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit scheduled for October and proposing a meeting with Kim, saying, "We are definitely not at a stage where we can specify the space, method, or timing yet." He also stated, "Most importantly, a solid trust has been formed between President Lee Jae-myung and President Donald Trump, which will serve as a valuable foundation for the development of South Korea-U.S. relations."