Hong Ikpyo, Senior Presidential Secretary, Says "Lee-Moon Meeting Has Been in the Works Since Inauguration"

"Finally Realized Amid Hectic State Affairs Schedule"

Hong Ikpyo, the Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, stated on June 27 that the luncheon between President Lee Jaemyung and former President Moon Jaein, scheduled for July 1, "has been in the works since immediately after the inauguration."

Yonhap News Agency

In a post on Facebook earlier that morning, Secretary Hong explained, "Due to the intense schedule focused on normalizing state affairs, the meeting had not materialized until now," adding, "We have continued to coordinate the schedule, and as both parties became available on July 1, the luncheon was arranged."

He emphasized, "The achievements of the past year were made possible because of the foundation laid by the Kim Daejung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jaein administrations," and added, "Now is the time to build on these achievements and deliver tangible changes that the public can feel in their daily lives."

He continued, "I expect the meeting with former President Moon to be meaningful, as it will provide an opportunity to listen to the insights of a former president and have an open discussion about state affairs for the sake of restoring people's livelihoods, achieving national unity, and ensuring the success of a government based on popular sovereignty."

Previously, on June 25, the Blue House announced that President Lee had invited former President Moon to the Blue House for a luncheon on July 1. This announcement fueled speculation in political circles that President Lee may be attempting to "manage the situation," as factional conflicts have intensified within the ruling party ahead of the upcoming party convention. Secretary Hong's remarks are understood to be aimed at dispelling misunderstandings regarding this meeting.

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