Lee: "We should talk often even when we disagree... Internal unity matters all the more in times of crisis"

According to The Financial News, President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea repeatedly underscored the need for cooperation and communication at the meeting of the Ruling-Opposition-Government Consultative Body on People’s Livelihood and the Economy on the 7th, saying, "When opinions differ, it is actually better to meet and talk often." He added, "Because that can at least greatly reduce misunderstandings, I would like to have opportunities like this to meet with you frequently."
In his remarks at the meeting held in the Inwang Room of the main building of Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said, "I am not here just to take pictures and use them for publicity," and continued, "Through extensive communication and dialogue, it is better to at least establish the objective facts before we argue." He went on, "If we talk in completely different ways about the same facts, that is no longer a dialogue but can turn into a fight, so it would be good if we always check the facts and, in a serious manner, have frequent communication between the ruling and opposition parties and between the government and the opposition."
He particularly emphasized, "In difficult times like now, especially when our community is in crisis due to external factors, internal unity is truly crucial." He added, "What we commonly refer to as ‘unity’ is, I believe, something that can really shine in moments like this."
At the same time, he indicated that he would respect the opposition’s role of keeping the government in check. Lee said, "From the opposition’s standpoint, situations like this can raise concerns that its political space may shrink, so it is important for the opposition to fully play its role as the opposition," adding, "You should point out what needs to be criticized, make up for what is lacking, and correct what is wrong." He continued, "If you make proposals, we will also give them serious consideration together."
Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the People Power Party (PPP), also spoke about cooperation. Jang said, "In our political circles, we always call for cooperation in words, but for genuine cooperation to happen, we must respect the other side’s views and also listen to things that may be uncomfortable to hear," adding, "What I say today may sound somewhat uncomfortable, but I hope you will willingly listen, thinking of it as the voice of the people who are struggling."
Responding to this, Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said, "When it comes to the national interest, there is no distinction between ruling and opposition parties, and likewise, in a national crisis, there can be no separation between the two," and continued, "In the face of such a national crisis, I hope we can overcome it well with the mindset that the ruling and opposition parties become one party with one heart and one mind."
Lee Jae-myung said, "If opportunities arise in the future, I hope we can meet often, share views on pending issues, and if there is anything wrong, please criticize us a lot," adding, "We will accept what should be accepted and revise what should be revised, and we will do our utmost to ensure that state affairs are carried out properly solely for the people and the nation."

west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter