President Lee hosts former President Moon for lunch; menu symbolizes 'harmony and integration'

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung invited former President Moon Jae-in for a luncheon at the Presidential Residence, Cheong Wa Dae, on August 1st. The occasion was marked by a menu specifically designed to embody the principles of 'harmony' and 'integration,' concepts consistently championed by both leaders.

The meal featured dishes reflecting the preferences of both presidents. For Moon Jae-in, who enjoys seafood, and Lee Jae-myung, whose hometown is Andong, a 'Suranchae' (a dish with various ingredients) was served. Additionally, the menu included 'Nokdu Samgyejuk' (mung bean chicken porridge), a traditional summer tonic, 'Mejil Baechujeon' (buckwheat and napa cabbage pancakes), and 'Dalgogi' and 'Aeho박saewoojeon' (a type of fish and zucchini shrimp pancake). The presidential office highlighted a special 'Jeon' (pancake) set featuring 'Dalgogi,' a summer seasonal fish from the southern coast favored by Moon Jae-in, and 'Baechujeon,' a favorite of Lee Jae-myung, presented together to symbolize harmony.

Further emphasizing the theme of unity, the meal also included 'Hanwoo Galbijjim Gui' (grilled Korean beef short ribs) and 'Bibimbap,' a dish symbolizing integration. 'Min-eo Tang' (croaker soup), a summer delicacy, was also served. For dessert, assorted rice cakes and 'Gwail Hwachae' (fruit punch) were offered, continuing the theme of togetherness. The presidential office recalled that in the summer of 2017, former First Lady Kim Jung-sook had made 'Hwachae' from fallen fruits in flood-affected areas and shared it with Cheong Wa Dae staff and reporters, adding a personal touch to the occasion.

Former First Lady Kim Jung-sook was unable to attend due to overseas commitments. Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Secretary to the President for Political Affairs, stated that the luncheon was expected to be a meaningful occasion for President Lee to hear valuable opinions from the former president and engage in candid discussions on national affairs, aiming for the success of the 'People's Sovereignty Government' through 민생 회복 (livelihood recovery) and 국민 통합 (national integration).

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It is expected to be a meaningful occasion to hear high-level opinions from the former president and have a candid discussion on national affairs for the success of the people's sovereignty government.