Presidential spokesperson Jeon Eun-su said Thursday that President Lee Jae-myung's remark to People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyuk the previous day that he "would like to meet frequently" was sincere. "The president does not offer lip service," Jeon said. "It felt genuine."
Appearing on SBS Radio, Jeon said, "He has wanted to continue dialogue among the ruling party, opposition, and government, and he always says he is 'not a president for one side but a president for all.'" When asked whether meetings with Jang could become regular, she said, "I am not sure whether they will be institutionalized or simply happen frequently on an ad hoc basis."
On Jang's demand that the president publicly declare he will not seek reelection or an extended term, Jeon said, "You can consider that he listened carefully and exchanged views." She added, "It does not appear to have been a situation where he said 'yes' or 'no.'" After the meeting, the PPP claimed it did not receive a clear answer from Lee. The presidential office, however, explained that Lee responded that "it is impossible to amend and pass the constitutional revision bill that has already been publicly announced, and it is also impossible given that the opposition already holds enough seats to block a constitutional amendment."
Regarding media reports that the Democratic Party of Korea's directive banning the use of President Lee's pre-inauguration photos and videos during its primary process for the June 3 local elections was made at the request of the presidential office, Jeon said, "That is a matter handled by the party," adding, "It would be difficult to say it was a request from the presidential office."
Separately, when asked whether she might run for the Ulsan Nam-gu Gap constituency left vacant after Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Sang-uk was confirmed as the party's final candidate for Ulsan mayor, Jeon said, "The warmth on the personnel approval documents has not yet dried," adding, "I will devote myself to the success of the Lee Jae-myung government."