As the second preparatory meeting for the inter-party summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Lee Jae Myung, leader of the Democratic Party, is approaching, the Presidential Office expressed discomfort over discussing the agenda. Yet, it has been demonstrating a cautious attitude toward saving its words for the smooth progress of the inter-party summit, which is held to take care of public welfare after the general election.
According to the Presidential Office and the Democratic Party, Hong Cheol Ho, the Presidential Chief Secretary, and Cheon Jun Ho, the Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, will meet in Yeouido on the afternoon of the 25th for the second preparatory meeting. The specific location and time are not disclosed.
Regarding the agenda, a high-ranking official from the Presidential Office explained their stance in a phone call, saying, “Shouldn’t we have to hear what they have to say today?” and “We will attend the meeting with sincerity.”
Both sides are continuing to tug of war over the agenda for the summit. The Democratic Party is demanding issues such as a livelihood recovery support fund of 250,000 won ($213) for all citizens, acceptance of a special investigation law on suspicious external pressure in the investigation of the Marine Corps Corporal Chae incident, and an apology from Yoon who has repeatedly exercised his veto power. This related official expressed a negative stance, saying, “There has never been a confirmation with the agenda at previous summits.” This means that they cannot agree to the conditions that the summit can be held only after the agendas are finalized.
Previously, some in the Presidential Office suggested that the amount or scope of the livelihood recovery support fund could be adjusted.
However, the presidential office has yet to officially announce the agenda for the meeting. They intend to proceed cautiously until the coordination of the final agendas, as the Presidential Office’s internal stance before the meeting could lead to confusion.
In particular, coordinating the meeting agenda seems unlikely to be easy, as the growing hardline voices within the Democratic Party argue that suspicions related to First Lady Kim Keon Hee should also be brought up during the meeting.
A Presidential Office official said the summit would be held “as soon as possible” but added, “It seems physically difficult (this week).”