President Lee, Hong Joon-pyo Share 'Makgeolli Lunch'; Former Mayor Denies Election Talk

President Lee Jae-myung met with former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo for a private lunch at the Blue House, a gathering that has sparked considerable discussion given the upcoming local elections. While Hong Joon-pyo, who recently endorsed Democratic Party candidate Kim Bu-gyeom for Daegu mayor, emphasized that the lunch was solely for a friendly chat over makgeolli and did not involve any election talk, the optics are undeniable.

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We had a drink of makgeolli and a chat.

This meeting is particularly noteworthy as President Lee has made consistent efforts to engage with figures from across the political spectrum. His past outreach to conservative figures, including a previous offer of makgeolli to Hong Joon-pyo after the presidential primaries and invitations to conservative commentators, signals a broader strategy of national unity. The President's emphasis on being a 'president for all' is reflected in these inclusive gestures, aiming to bridge partisan divides.

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The relationship with Kim Bu-gyeom is a 30-year friendship.

However, the timing inevitably fuels speculation about potential political appointments. Hong Joon-pyo's recent Facebook post, reflecting on his life's journey and expressing a desire to serve the nation in his twilight years, has only intensified these rumors. While President Lee has previously nominated figures from opposition parties, such as former lawmaker Lee Hye-hoon, these attempts at expanding his administration's reach have not always been smooth. The political landscape in South Korea is complex, and such meetings, regardless of stated intentions, are always interpreted through the lens of political strategy and potential future alliances.

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This was not a meeting to discuss elections.