The meeting comes as the Democratic Party of Korea prepares for its leadership election scheduled for August, amid signs of escalating competition within the party. Observers are keen to see if a message of unity will emerge from the gathering.
The Blue House has been attempting to arrange a meeting between the two leaders since President Lee took office. However, scheduling conflicts due to busy national affairs delayed the meeting until now, according to the Blue House.
The lunch menu includes bibimbap, a traditional Korean mixed rice dish, along with sea eel soup, grilled beef short ribs, buckwheat pancakes, and sweet fish pancakes. For dessert, a selection of rice cakes and fruit punch will be served.
The Blue House stated, "Sea eel soup, which is a favorite of former President Moon and a seasonal dish in summer, is the best health food, along with bibimbap, which symbolizes unity." They added that the menu is designed to welcome former President Moon back to the Blue House after his presidency.
Additionally, the Blue House noted, "The dishes were selected to emphasize the themes of harmony and unity that both former and current presidents have consistently highlighted," and that the dessert reflects a blend of diverse flavors to symbolize integration and cooperation.
Later in the evening, President Lee is expected to host a dinner with the Democratic Party's floor leader Han Byeong-do and other members of the party leadership.
However, neither President Lee's wife, Kim Hye-kyung, nor former First Lady Kim Jung-sook will attend the lunch. It has been reported that Kim Jung-sook is unable to participate due to overseas commitments.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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