▲ Hong Ik-pyo, presidential secretary for political affairs, announces the cancellation of President Lee Jae Myung's luncheon with the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Feb. 12, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok (C), leader of the main opposition People Power Party, speaks during the party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on Feb. 12, 2026. (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) Lee-politics

(2nd LD) Lee's planned luncheon with rival party leaders canceled after PPP chief's abrupt boycott

(ATTN: REWRTIES headline; ADDS more details in paras 3-4, photo)

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung's planned luncheon with the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties on Thursday was called off as the chief of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) decided not to attend it at the last minute, Cheong Wa Dae said.

Lee had planned to meet with Jung Chung-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), and PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok at Cheong Wa Dae to discuss the economy and other pending issues, but it was canceled, Hong Ik-pyo, presidential secretary for political affairs, told reporters.

"The meeting was arranged to facilitate communication and cooperation on pending state affairs," Hong said. "In that regard, we express deep regret over missing the opportunity."

Despite the cancellation, the Lee administration will keep pursuing "mutual respect and responsible dialogue" for cooperation with political parties, he added.

Earlier in the day, Jang said he had initially accepted Lee's invitation to convey public concerns about the economy but reconsidered the offer at the request of senior party members after the judiciary committee passed controversial judicial reform bills.

"They will try to cover up the sound of the Republic of Korea's judicial system with a photo of the president shaking hands with the ruling and opposition party leaders," Jang said during a Supreme Council meeting two hours ahead of the luncheon, calling for the bills to be scrapped.

The development came a day after the National Assembly's legislation and judiciary committee approved bills that would allow constitutional appeals in cases finalized by the Supreme Court and increase the number of Supreme Court justices to 26 from the current 14.

The PPP has strongly opposed the DP-led judicial reform measures, framing them as moves to shield Lee's legal risks.

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