Cheon Ha-ram, Reform Party Floor Leader, Shares Photo with President Lee Jae-myung

The Hankyoreh reports on a significant political encounter between President Lee Jae-myung and Cheon Ha-ram, the floor leader of the Reform Party. Cheon's decision to accept the president's invitation for lunch and subsequently share a photo, despite their opposing political stances, highlights a unique approach to inter-party relations in South Korea. Cheon's statement, 'We will not avoid meeting the president, and we will have candid conversations,' underscores a commitment to dialogue that contrasts with the often adversarial nature of Korean politics.

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Don't you need to take a picture with me?

This interaction is particularly noteworthy given the president's invitation to a broad spectrum of non-major party lawmakers, including independents. The Reform Party's stated aim to engage in politics that are 'satisfying to the quiet majority,' rather than catering to 'loud minorities' or extreme support bases, positions them as a potential moderating force. This perspective is crucial in a political landscape often dominated by intense partisan conflict.

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No, sir. I will take one with you too.

From a South Korean perspective, this event signifies a potential shift towards more pragmatic and less confrontational politics. While Western media might focus on the novelty of a photo-op between political rivals, for us, it represents a deliberate strategy by the Reform Party to differentiate itself by prioritizing national interest and constructive engagement over partisan bickering. The willingness to 'point out issues accurately and actively cooperate for the national interest' is a core tenet of their political philosophy, aiming to build trust and demonstrate a responsible opposition.

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This picture will probably never be released.

The article also details specific policy requests made by various party leaders, including Cheon's call for national responsibility in teacher lawsuits. This showcases the substantive discussions that took place, moving beyond mere pleasantries. The Reform Party's emphasis on 'politics that are satisfying to the quiet majority' resonates with a segment of the electorate weary of political polarization, making this engagement with the president a key moment in their political narrative.

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Criticize when necessary, fight when necessary, but also take pictures with a smile, and there's no need to hide it. This is the politics of the Reform Party.