PPP Shows 'Lukewarm' Response to Ruling Party's Calls for 'Dialogue' and 'Integration'

[Anchor]

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok has emphasized dialogue and solidarity. During a visit to People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, he stated that he would frequently communicate with the opposition, and he also unveiled a plan to pursue a grand integration with progressive opposition parties. However, the Rebuilding Korea Party, the counterpart in question, expressed discomfort.

Reporter Son Hyeong-an has the details.

[Reporter]

On the 17th, following his inauguration, ruling Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok met with People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, the head of the main opposition party, for the first time and proposed holding frequent discussions on state affairs moving forward.

[Kim Min-seok / Leader, Democratic Party]: I hope we can build an unbroken bridge of dialogue. I think it would be good to make (dialogue) a regular occurrence.

While thanking him for the proposal, leader Jang pressured the ruling party to join forces in keeping the executive branch in check, which is an inherent function of the National Assembly.

The conversation between the two leaders led to the issue of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's written nomination of Supreme Court justices. Leader Jang mentioned past precedent where former President Roh Moo-hyun accepted a Supreme Court nomination despite disagreements with the judiciary, stating:

[Jang Dong-hyuk / Leader, People Power Party]: What is more important than procedures is the rule of law in the Republic of Korea. That is because it serves as the foundation for protecting the people.

Leader Kim responded by saying it appeared that leader Jang also acknowledged the procedural issue.

Targeting the government's real estate policy, leader Jang pointed out that it is going against President Lee Jae-myung's presidential election pledges. Leader Kim countered that, regarding real estate issues, the market will be respected as much as possible.

Leader Kim also formed a direct task force to accelerate the integration of the progressive reform bloc. He established a separate subcommittee to handle a merger or solidarity with the Rebuilding Korea Party, which had already fallen through once earlier this year. However, the Rebuilding Korea Party expressed regret and pushed back against what it called the Democratic Party's unilateral announcement.

Rebuilding Korea Party leader Shin Chang-shik showed discomfort, stating, "We must first heal the unhealed wounds between the two parties."

(Camera Reporter: Lee Seung-hwan, Shin Dong-hwan | Video Editor: Nam Il)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.