President Lee Jae-myung will host a luncheon meeting with leaders of ruling and opposition parties, including party chairpersons and floor leaders, at the Blue House on January 16. The meeting marks the first such gathering this year and the first since September last year, a gap of four months.
While the invitation is intended partly as a New Year greeting, the attendance of Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has not been confirmed. Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok is also unable to attend due to overseas commitments, and floor leader Cheon Ha-ram will participate in his place.
Kim Byung-wook, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, said at a Blue House briefing on January 12, "President Lee plans to host a luncheon meeting with party leaders at the Blue House this Thursday, January 16."
Kim explained that "the meeting will share the administration's key policy directions and discuss bipartisan cooperation measures for economic recovery and government stability." He added that the president "will express his commitment to creating tangible changes that citizens can feel and focusing government efforts on building a foundation for a great national leap forward."
Kim also noted that "without a specific agenda, there will be a candid exchange of views on key economic and livelihood issues, as well as overall state affairs."
The Blue House plans to proceed with the scheduled luncheon even if Jang ultimately does not attend. However, Kim added, "We have conveyed that we are willing to arrange ample time for dialogue if the People Power Party leadership wishes, and we hope they will join us with patience until then."