People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk met with Democratic Party of Korea official Kim Min-seok, the Prime Minister, and emphasized that the ruling and opposition parties along with the government should collaborate for the public's livelihood. This meeting, during which Jang, known for his hardline remarks during the party convention, suggested cooperation to the Prime Minister, who is regarded as the government's 'number two' under Lee Jae-myung, was evaluated by party members as a potential starting point for a summit between leaders.
On the morning of the 1st, Jang met with the Prime Minister at the National Assembly and mentioned various issues such as the drought in Gangneung, the U.S.-South Korea summit, and the Yellow Envelope Law (amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union Act), stating, "It would be good to create many opportunities for the ruling and opposition parties and the government to come together and deliberate." This was Jang's second meeting with a ruling party personnel, following his meeting with Woo Sang-ho, the Senior Political Secretary to the President.
Jang stated, "There are many pressing issues regarding the public's livelihood that need to be resolved, and it is regrettable that the National Assembly is not fulfilling its role, for which I apologize to the people." He added, "Today (the 1st) is the regular National Assembly opening ceremony, but the ruling and opposition parties are still too far apart to join hands."
He continued, "While we talk about moving toward the future, it seems like the ruling party is solely focused on aggressively attacking the opposition party regarding past issues." He expressed disappointment, saying, "The opposition party also seems unable to extend a hand for cooperation to the ruling party. Especially since today is the day of the opening ceremony, I feel heavy-hearted for the people."
In response to Jang's remarks, the Prime Minister said, "I appreciate Jang bringing up various economic difficulties, including the U.S.-South Korea summit, right from the start. It is the role of the National Assembly and politics to come together and work through these challenges." He added, "I believe President Lee should naturally have a time to report on the meeting's content with the ruling and opposition party leaders."
The People Power Party viewed the meeting with the Prime Minister as a stepping stone for setting up a summit between President Lee and Jang. Jang has been requesting a one-on-one meeting with President Lee. However, he indicated a willingness to compromise by stating, "If a meeting with the leader of the first opposition party is promised later, we could, in principle, hold a meeting with the leaders of both parties first."
Park Seong-hoon, the People Power Party's chief spokesperson, met with reporters after Jang's meeting with the Prime Minister and said, "(The meeting with President Lee) is a point that can lead to a bilateral meeting as a result of today's meeting with the Prime Minister. Since we proposed creating an opportunity for the ruling and opposition parties and the government to gather and resolve the difficulties in people's livelihoods, this meeting between Jang and President Lee can take place."
He also explained, "Various discussions are being held on the format of the summit meeting, namely based on a one-on-one premise. I think it can happen soon depending on how proactive President Lee shows his attitude toward this part."