Eunsoo Jeon, Blue House Spokesperson: "President Lee and Jang Donghyuk's Constitutional Q&A Was Not Evasive... 'Let's Meet Often' Was Sincere"

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Eunsoo Jeon, spokesperson for the Blue House, addressed the controversy over President Jaemyung Lee's response to behind-closed-doors remarks on constitutional amendment made during the previous day's trilateral meeting between the ruling party, opposition parties, and the government held at the Blue House. Jeon clarified that President Lee did not avoid giving a direct answer, but rather "listened carefully and engaged in the conversation." Regarding President Lee's remark to Jang Donghyeok, leader of the People Power Party, saying "Let's meet often if there are opportunities in the future," Jeon emphasized, "President Jaemyung Lee does not offer empty words. It was by no means a mere formality."

Eunsoo Jeon, the newly appointed spokesperson, is briefing at the Blue House Chunuchukwan on April 3 about measures to alleviate congestion on public transportation during commuting hours. 2026.4.3 Yonhap News Agency
Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Appearing on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show" on April 8, Jeon was asked about claims from the People Power Party that President Lee sidestepped Jang's request during the previous day's meeting to declare he would not seek multiple terms or re-election before constitutional amendment discussions. Jeon responded, "You should understand that he listened carefully and engaged in the conversation," adding, "It was not a situation where a clear yes-or-no answer could be given." He continued, "What matters is not so much what was said or unsaid, but rather that such a meeting took place at all." This suggests that more significance was placed on the fact that the president and the opposition and ruling party leaders sat together and established a framework for dialogue, rather than on the details of the debate over the constitutional amendment.

After the meeting, the People Power Party asserted that President Lee did not respond to Jang's request to declare he would not seek multiple terms or re-election. The Blue House, however, countered that President Lee replied, "It is impossible to revise and approve the currently announced constitutional amendment proposal, and it is also impossible given that the opposition has secured a veto threshold."

When asked about the sincerity of President Lee's comment to Jang about meeting frequently, Jeon again stressed, "It was genuine." He added, "In fact, President Lee has expressed his desire to continue holding these meetings, emphasizing that he is not the president of one side, but of everyone. As aides working alongside him, we perceive his intentions as sincere." He reiterated, "It was by no means a mere formality."

Regarding the possibility of regular meetings, Jeon stated, "I am not sure whether they will become regular or if frequent irregular meetings will happen," but added, "I believe that, as with the previous meeting, the public will feel a sense of excitement seeing such gatherings continue."

As for the significance of the previous day's meeting, Jeon evaluated it as a pivotal moment for advancing cooperation. While noting, "I was not present in person, so I cannot provide detailed impressions or nuances," he said, "I believe it was a time that served as a catalyst for cooperation." He added, "I assess it as a positive event and a good meeting."

Regarding the Democratic Party's directive not to use photos or videos of President Lee taken prior to his inauguration during the party's June 3 local election candidate selection process, Jeon was asked whether this was at the Blue House's request. He replied, "That is a matter for the party," but also commented, "It would be difficult to say it was at the Blue House's request." When asked about the possibility of running for the Ulsan Nam-gu-gap district, which became vacant after Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Sangwook was confirmed as the final candidate for Ulsan mayor, Jeon said, "The approval window in the Blue House has not yet cooled," and added, "I will work hard for the success of the Jaemyung Lee administration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.