President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday called for political unity on foreign and security affairs. He said domestic infighting over external matters amounts to self inflicted harm. During a luncheon with minor party lawmakers at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee underscored an extremely challenging external situation.
Lee suggested that disputes over foreign and security matters had crossed dangerous territory. Political forces may clash over domestic issues, but other countries rarely engage in such self inflicted harm on external matters. Regrettably, some such elements remain within South Korean society, he added. His comments came amid an intensifying feud between rival parties over sensitive alliance matters.
The main opposition People Power Party has sharply criticized Unification Minister Chung Dong young. Chung referenced North Korean uranium enrichment facilities in Kusong during a National Assembly session in March. Opposition lawmakers argued that the remarks may have disclosed confidential intelligence from Washington. They have demanded his resignation. Seoul maintains that Chung relied solely on publicly available material from the IAEA. However, the US views it as a breach involving information shared between allies.
Lee acknowledged his own responsibility in steering the country through turbulence. The greatest responsibility among us lies with me, he said. I will do my utmost, and I hope all of us work together to overcome domestic and external difficulties.
Moreover, the luncheon brought together 21 lawmakers from five minor parties and independents. These include the Rebuilding Korea Party, Jinbo Party, New Reform Party, Basic Income Party, and Social Democratic Party. Cheong Wa Dae stated this was Lee’s first invitation to all non negotiating party lawmakers. The meeting reflected Lee’s commitment to inclusive communication beyond negotiating blocs. Earlier in March, Lee hosted a dinner with first term ruling party lawmakers. In April, he also held talks with both the Democratic Party and People Power Party chairs.
