Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said Monday that President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a European tour, "is establishing himself as a world-class global leader through his diplomatic capabilities." The remarks appear aimed at defusing speculation of friction between the party and the presidential office, which arose after Jung's earlier "administrations are short" comment and President Lee's reference to the ruling party's responsibility.
At a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Jung said, "As one of the people, I am proud," adding, "I have heard many citizens speak with pride, saying they are proud and feel a sense of pride at the record-breaking achievements that have enhanced national prestige."
Jung said, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is inheriting the spirit of the June 15 Inter-Korean Joint Declaration and is confidently opening the path to peace on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is proving how peace changes the lives of the people." He further noted, "We will soon hold a meeting to discuss Korean Peninsula peace policy following the end of the Middle East war, as well as measures for the Republic of Korea's economic development."
Regarding the ballot paper shortage, he said, "The people's disappointment and anger toward the National Election Commission are all of the commission's own making," adding, "The Democratic Party will mobilize every means available to the National Assembly, including a parliamentary investigation and a special counsel, to thoroughly determine the facts without leaving a shred of doubt and to punish those responsible."
In additional remarks at the meeting, Jung also made a request to floor leader Han Byung-do regarding standing committee assignments for first-term lawmakers. Jung said, "Supreme Council member Park Jie-won received many complaints about whether Lee Won-taek, the governor-elect of North Jeolla Province, who served on the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, would not go there but go elsewhere instead," and asked, "Please establish a tradition of giving priority to placing first-term lawmakers on the committees they want, with senior lawmakers yielding."
