Lee meets Hong; requests for TK airport, MB's 'release' made
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- President Lee Jae-myung met with former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo for a private lunch.
- Hong requested state support for the new Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) airport and the lifting of restrictions on former President Lee Myung-bak.
- The meeting, framed by the presidential office as an effort for political integration, has fueled speculation about Hong's potential role in the current administration.
President Lee Jae-myung convened a private luncheon with Hong Joon-pyo, the former mayor of Daegu and a prominent figure in conservative politics. While the presidential office characterized the meeting as an initiative for broader political integration, the gathering has ignited considerable discussion within political circles. Observers suggest that President Lee may be seeking to expand his political base by engaging with centrist and conservative factions, potentially offering a role to the former mayor.
It was a time for a drink of makgeolli and pleasant conversation.
Following the luncheon, Hong Joon-pyo disclosed to Dong-A Ilbo that the discussion included a request for state support for the new Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) airport project. Crucially, he also called for the "lifting of restrictions" (ํด๊ธ) on former President Lee Myung-bak, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2020, resulting in the forfeiture of his presidential privileges. This appeal for the restoration of Lee Myung-bak's former status is seen as a significant political maneuver.
State support for the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) new airport and the lifting of restrictions on MB (former President Lee Myung-bak).
This meeting is particularly noteworthy given Hong Joon-pyo's past political trajectory. After his defeat in the People Power Party's presidential primary, he declared his retirement from politics and moved to Hawaii. During this period, he was critical of his former party. Notably, during the gubernatorial elections, he endorsed the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu, Kim Bu-gyeom, stating that Kim was the person who could solve Daegu's pressing issues. His recent social media post, expressing a desire to live his final years with passion for the nation, has further fueled speculation about his potential return to public service under the Lee Jae-myung administration.
The President did not drink makgeolli due to his next schedule.
From a South Korean perspective, this meeting signifies more than just a political discussion; it represents a strategic outreach by President Lee to bridge ideological divides and consolidate support. The request regarding former President Lee Myung-bak is a sensitive issue, touching upon past political grievances and the treatment of former leaders. Hong Joon-pyo's willingness to engage with President Lee, despite his previous criticisms, highlights the fluid nature of Korean politics and the constant pursuit of influence and strategic alliances. The coverage in Dong-A Ilbo reflects this complex dynamic, emphasizing the potential for shifting political landscapes and the ongoing efforts to broaden the ruling party's appeal.
He was a person I didn't dislike, even though he was from the opposing camp. Let's share a drink of makgeolli someday.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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