Lee Seok-yeon, chairperson of the Presidential Committee on National Cohesion, had dinner on the 25th with Kwon No-gap, chairperson of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation, former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, and other senior figures of the so-called "Donggyo-dong faction."
At the meeting, they discussed overcoming political conflict, national cohesion, and ways to mend internal rifts in the party after the convention. There were also "bitter words" that President Lee Jae-myung needs to listen more to the people.
The chairperson wrote on Facebook that day, "I met with Chairperson Kwon No-gap, former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, Kim Sung-jae, chairperson of the Kim Dae-jung Peace Center, Baek Hak-soon, head of the Kim Dae-jung Academy, and Go Do-won, chairperson of the Morning Letter Culture Foundation."
He continued, "It was a meaningful occasion to hear words drawn from long experience and wisdom, and to seek advice on the deepening political conflicts in our society and the path to national cohesion."
This dinner was arranged at Chairperson Kwon's request.
After the dinner, the chairperson told ChosunBiz by phone, "There was an opinion that the Blue House should gather public opinion more and be more prudent when making policy decisions." Recently, President Lee's approval rating has been hitting record lows. Real estate tax policy and measures are being cited as "negative evaluation factors."
The chairperson added, "There was also talk that aides should be replaced because when people who are too steeped in bureaucracy, or those who only try to flatter the president, make policy decisions, various problems arise."
He also said there was criticism of his remarks calling for "President Lee to leave the party." The chairperson recently said that, as head of state, one represents the nation in a bipartisan manner beyond party affiliation, implying that President Lee should leave the party.
The chairperson said, "They agreed with the intent but pointed out that the remark went a bit too far," adding, "They are, truly, senior figures who care about the Democratic Party, so I listened and learned with a humble attitude."