President Lee Jae-myung visited the National Assembly on the 4th and held a prior meeting with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and the ruling party leadership ahead of his policy speech on next year's 728 trillion won budget. Lee said, "To create a world with hope, let's overcome small differences and, even if we cannot be in complete unity, it would be good to move together in the same direction." With the People Power Party boycotting the prior meeting and the policy speech in protest of the request for an arrest warrant for former floor leader Choo Kyung-ho by the special counsel on insurrection, the remarks were interpreted as a message emphasizing cooperation.
The meeting took place at 9:40 a.m. in the speaker's reception room. From the presidential office, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Growth Ha Joon-kyung, and Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Relations Lee Kyu-yeon attended, among other key aides. Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, President of the Constitutional Court Kim Sang-hwan, Chairperson of the National Election Commission Roh Tae-ak, and Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection Choi Jae-hae, among the heads of the five branches, were also present. From the ruling party, Party Leader Jung Chung-rae and Floor Leader Kim Byung-kee attended, and from the government, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok was present. From the opposition, Rebuilding Korea Party Emergency Committee Chair Cho Kuk was the only attendee.
Entering the meeting room, Lee shook hands with each attendee. When Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae said, "You've worked hard," Lee smiled and replied, "It's been a while." When reporters asked for a handshake pose with Speaker Woo Won-shik, Lee joked, "It's not like we're having a summit," lightening the mood in the room.
Opening with a welcome, Speaker Woo said of the People Power Party's boycott of the policy speech and prior meeting, "Part of me is not at ease," adding, "Even so, the National Assembly, the government, and Korea must move forward, so we have gathered to put our heads together and jointly carry out the National Assembly's schedule to take responsibility for Korea's future."
He then cited the successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, saying, "Including K-pop, K-food, and K-beauty, Korea's strength and diplomatic capacity seem to have been well displayed to the world," and assessed, "It appears to have been a very proud event for the public to see."
He said, "In particular, through summits with major countries, many economic and diplomatic instabilities were resolved and results were produced so that the public could think, 'A firm foundation has been built for our society to move forward with considerable potential.'" He added, "This is the time for the National Assembly and the government to cooperate so that the results of this APEC can be well reflected in our economy and people's lives and to produce tangible outcomes."
Woo said, "When the 2025 policy speech was given, I felt quite disappointed that (former) President Yoon Suk-yeol did not come," adding, "With the president coming to deliver the policy speech like this, the public will feel reassured."
He continued, "In the past period we had tight fiscal policy, but now is the time when the government's fiscal stance is shifting to expansionary policy," adding, "It is a very important time for the National Assembly and the government to cooperate well so we can take a step further," pledging cooperation at the parliamentary level.
Lee responded, "We handled APEC well, and thanks to the interest and support shown by the chief justice, as well as the Constitutional Court, the National Election Commission, the Board of Audit and Inspection, and the heads of state institutions, we were able to achieve good results."
He added, "While hosting APEC, I felt that each country is truly doing its utmost to overcome the current crisis," and, "Through meetings with the leaders of each country, I even thought, 'I still have a long way to go.'"
Lee also said, "The public has many concerns about Korea's crisis aspects, but after going through the so-called 'diplomatic super week,' I believe they will have newly thought about Korea's status, as well as its potential and possibilities."
He continued, "Crisis is opportunity," adding, "In the end, it depends on what we do. The fate of this country hinges on how united we can be, how we can share one goal, stand in solidarity, and pool our strength."
He then asked, "Please gather strength to move beyond small differences for Korea's new future and for a better life for the people."
Lee said, "Looking back, what we call differences are not that big," adding, "To create a world with hope, let's overcome small differences and, even if we cannot be in complete unity, it would be good to go together in the same direction."
He added, "The executive branch works as prescribed, but the National Assembly reflects the people's will in diverse ways, and since there are so many different positions, it seems to be the role of the National Assembly to engage in good dialogue, communication, and coordination," asking for the legislature's cooperation.
After about 10 minutes of conversation, Lee moved to the main chamber to deliver his policy speech on next year's budget.