▲ President Lee Jae Myung (C) holds hands with Rep. Jung Chung-rae (R), leader of the ruling Democratic Party, and Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, during their luncheon at the presidential office in Seoul on Sept. 8, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Lee-politics

Lee set to host luncheon with leaders of ruling, opposition parties

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung is set to host a luncheon with the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday to discuss the economy and other pending issues.

Lee will meet with DP leader Jung Chung-rae and PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok at Cheong Wa Dae, marking the first three-way meeting since September last year.

The luncheon was arranged to discuss ways to improve people's livelihoods and exchange "candid" views on a broad range of state affairs without limiting the agenda, according to Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff.

Possible agenda items include ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, as Seoul is under pressure to pass a special investment bill tied to a bilateral trade agreement with Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened last month to raise reciprocal tariffs and auto, lumber and pharmaceutical duties on South Korea back to 25 percent from 15 percent.

During Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Lee called on the National Assembly to expedite legislative procedures to support trade negotiations and other policy initiatives, saying the government could face difficulties responding to a rapidly changing global order if key bills are delayed.

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