Hong Ik-pyo: Meeting Between Presidents Lee and Moon Planned Since Inauguration

Hong Ik-pyo, Chief of Staff to the President, stated that the upcoming luncheon between President Lee Jae-myung and former President Moon Jae-in, scheduled for July 1, has been in the works since the beginning of Lee's administration.

In a Facebook post on June 27, Hong noted, "Due to a hectic national agenda aimed at normalizing South Korea, this meeting has not taken place until now."

He added, "I have been coordinating the schedule, and finally, both individuals are available on July 1 for the luncheon. I expect this meeting with former President Moon to be a meaningful opportunity to hear his insights on restoring livelihoods, promoting national unity, and ensuring the success of a government that prioritizes the people's sovereignty."

Hong emphasized, "The achievements of the past year were made possible by the foundations laid by the administrations of Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in. Now is the time to create changes that the public can feel in their daily lives based on those achievements."

Earlier, the Blue House announced on June 25 that President Lee would invite former President Moon to the Blue House for a luncheon on July 1.

In political circles, some analysts suggested that President Lee's meeting with former President Moon might be an effort to manage factional conflicts within the ruling Democratic Party ahead of its upcoming convention. Hong's comments appear to clarify any misunderstandings regarding the purpose of the meeting.