Lee Calls for National Unity at Luncheon with Moon

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for national unity based on internal cohesion within the ruling party during a luncheon with former President Moon Jae-in on July 1. Lee referred to this concept as a "structural majority."

Moon highlighted the importance of unity within the ruling Democratic Party to achieve national cohesion.

During the meeting at the Blue House, Lee stated, "Internal unity is very important, and we must continuously expand our outreach to create a structural majority." This was the first meeting between the two since the memorial service for former President Roh Moo-hyun in May, and it marked their first gathering at the Blue House since Lee took office.

The luncheon drew significant attention as it occurred amid heightened competition for leadership within the Democratic Party ahead of its convention scheduled for August.

Lee and Moon spent about two hours discussing various national issues over lunch and during a walk.

Lee acknowledged the achievements of the previous administration, saying, "Many of the accomplishments made during Moon's five years, such as in diplomacy, security, inter-Korean relations, economy, and culture, have been severely damaged. I believe the work done by our current president, along with the legacies of Presidents Roh and Kim Dae-jung, will be historically recognized as significant achievements."

He added, "Although it may not be immediately apparent, we have created tremendous achievements, and now that they have been damaged, we are feeling that loss. I am continuously working hard to restore them."

Regarding inter-Korean relations, Lee expressed concern, stating, "I feel that they have deteriorated to an irreparable extent. The hostility and confrontational mindset seem to be in a situation that cannot be resolved by changing our approach."

Moon, speaking first as a former president, noted, "Another historic task for the Lee Jae-myung administration is indeed national unity. I believe this is essential for achieving greater success based on what the current government has accomplished so far."

He emphasized, "To move toward national unity, internal party cohesion is the starting point. The Democratic Party must first unite, and from there, we need to achieve greater unity with the democratic reform camp and those who participated in the light revolution to gather the hearts of the people."

Moon expressed confidence in Lee's ability to lead these efforts, stating, "I believe that the only person in South Korea who can accomplish this is President Lee Jae-myung. I hope he can demonstrate greater leadership and fulfill the dream of being a president for all."

Moon also commended Lee's administration for its achievements, stating, "Ending the civil unrest, normalizing the state, and restoring democracy and national dignity are significant tasks that have been accomplished in a short time."

The two leaders also discussed the government's recently announced "Three Mega Projects for South Korea's Great Leap Forward."

Moon mentioned a national report meeting on advanced industries held in Gwangju the previous day, saying, "I felt really good watching the event."

He noted, "The investments made during our administration in wind and solar power along the southwestern coast have laid the foundation for the RE100 industrial complex and large semiconductor mega projects. I appreciate your leadership in this regard."

Lee credited Moon for fostering the renewable energy industry, saying, "It is thanks to your efforts that we have developed that sector."

The Blue House stated that both leaders agreed that the unity and outreach of the democratic camp should be pursued simultaneously, rather than as separate goals.

Hong Ik-pyo, chief of staff at the Blue House, briefed reporters after the meeting, saying, "Both leaders recognized that the government of the people must succeed for the nation and its citizens, and they agreed to work together for a unified South Korea. They committed to creating more national achievements and tangible changes together."

They also agreed that spreading fake news or derogatory remarks that harm individuals is not helpful.

Meanwhile, Kim Min-seok, the former Prime Minister who stepped down that day, commented on the luncheon, stating, "It showed that the history and spirit of the democratic forces are one."

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Respect and restraint have been the internal tradition that has permeated the eras of Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung. I believe this meeting will be another milestone in creating a 'winning Democratic Party' and ushering in a golden age of democracy."