Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung (left) and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon. 〈Photo=Yonhap News〉
On April 25, there is an ongoing dispute between the ruling Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and the conservative People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon regarding the agenda and format of their upcoming meeting.
While the People Power Party suggested that the entire process of the leaders’ meeting be made public, the Democratic Party expressed discomfort with the proposal being made through the media without prior consultation.
As a result, the working-level meeting between the two parties, which was scheduled for 3 p.m. on this day, has been postponed.
Park Jeong-ha, the chief of staff of the People Power Party, met with reporters today and stated, “If the Democratic Party agrees, we are considering proposing to conduct the leader’s meeting openly from start to finish.”
Park also mentioned plans to propose three topics, including ▲ declaration of ceasing partisan disputes ▲ agenda for restoring livelihoods ▲ establishment of a permanent political reform discussion body.
Park added, “The Democratic Party also mentioned three bills, including the special prosecutor law related to Chae So-yeong, the support for a livelihood recovery fund of 250,000 won, and the revival of local party branches. It would be better for both parties to accept and discuss them together without refusal.”
When the People Power Party’s proposal was reported through the media, Democratic Party’s deputy chief of staff Yoo Mi-sik criticized the move, stating, “Isn’t it against etiquette? It is customary to announce specific details and agendas after reaching an agreement through working-level discussions.”
He pointed out, “Unilaterally making public announcements through the media without any discussion might suggest that Han Dong-hoon is trying to turn the leader’s meeting into a mere showcase event.”
The deputy chief of staff further stated, “In response, I expressed regret and suggested resolving the matter appropriately before proceeding to the working-level meeting.”
The Democratic Party plans to hold a working-level meeting on the morning of the following day (April 21) if the People Power Party expresses regret.