[Anchor]

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok paid courtesy calls to the leaders of other parties upon taking office. While sharing intentions for frequent dialogue with People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, the two engaged in a war of nerves over sensitive pending issues such as real estate and the nomination of Supreme Court justices.

Reporter Son Hyeong-an has the details.

[Reporter]

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok, the new head of the ruling party, met with People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok on the 17th for the first time since taking office, proposing that they engage in frequent dialogue regarding state affairs moving forward.

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

While expressing gratitude for the proposal, leader Jang pressured that the ruling party should also join forces in checking the executive branch, which is an inherent function of the National Assembly.

The conversation between the two leaders led to the issue of Chief Justice Cho Hee-de's written nomination of Supreme Court justices. Mentioning the precedent where former President Roh Moo-hyun accepted Supreme Court nominations despite disagreements with the judiciary, leader Jang stated:

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

Leader Kim responded by saying that leader Jang seemed to have 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 campaign pledges. In response, leader Kim countered that regarding real estate issues, the market will be respected as much as possible.

Leader Kim also stated that he would accelerate efforts on the integration of the progressive-reform bloc and formed a direct task force. However, regarding the separate establishment of a subcommittee to handle a merger or alliance with the Rebuilding Korea Party—which had already fallen through once earlier this year—the opposing Rebuilding Korea Party released a statement expressing regret over the Democratic Party's unilateral announcement.

Innovation Party leader Shin Chang-sik revealed his discomfort, stating, "We must first heal the unhealed scars between the two parties."

(Camera footage: Lee Seung-hwan, Shin Dong-hwan | Video editing: Nam Il)