Jeong Jin-sik and Lee Jun-seok to meet for lunch, signaling potential cooperation in opposition to government

Jeong Jin-sik, the floor leader of South Korea's People Power Party, and Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the New Reform Party, are set to hold a luncheon meeting on July 21. This gathering is anticipated to mark a significant step towards formalizing their joint opposition against the current administration.

The meeting was reportedly proposed by Jeong Jin-sik. This follows a previous encounter on June 15, shortly after Jeong's inauguration, where both leaders expressed a need for cooperation. At that time, they agreed on the necessity of working together to block what they termed the government's "runaway actions," specifically mentioning the "special prosecutor for trial cancellation" and the issue of insufficient ballots for the local elections.

“

Now the people are witnessing the runaway actions of the Lee Jae-myung government and the Democratic Party. I ask for your continued cooperation in blocking the runaway actions of the Lee Jae-myung government, such as the special prosecutor for trial cancellation that is expected soon and the shortage of ballots in the upcoming local elections.

Lee Jun-seok had responded positively, stating, "From the position of needing to jointly check the runaway actions of the Lee Jae-myung government and the Democratic Party, I think it is good for political parties to become closer." The upcoming meeting is expected to delve deeper into strategies for their joint opposition.

However, the prospect of solidified cooperation faces potential hurdles. Recent public disputes between the People Power Party and the New Reform Party, stemming from controversy surrounding Jeong Han, a former New Reform Party candidate for Busan mayor accused of staging an election assault, have created friction. This ongoing tension could complicate efforts to form a united front.

“

From the position of needing to jointly check the runaway actions of the Lee Jae-myung government and the Democratic Party, I think it is good for political parties to become closer.