(LEAD) Lee to host luncheon with leaders of ruling, opposition parties Thu.

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

(LEAD) Lee-politics

(LEAD) Lee to host luncheon with leaders of ruling, opposition parties Thu.

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with more details; CHANGES photo)

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung will host a luncheon with the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) later this week to discuss ways to seek bipartisan cooperation on the economy and other pending issues, Cheong Wa Dae said.

Lee is scheduled to meet DP leader Jung Chung-rae and PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday to have discussions on a wide range of state affairs, Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, told reporters.

"The luncheon was arranged to discuss ways to improve people's livelihoods and ensure stable governance," Kang said. "They are expected to exchange candid views on a broad range of state affairs without limiting the agenda."

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, saying the government could face difficulties responding to a rapidly changing global order if key bills are delayed.

In particular, he emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation on foreign affairs, including support for trade negotiations with the U.S. at a time when the special investment bill is pending in the parliament.

On Monday, the National Assembly formed a special committee to handle legislation aimed at implementing South Korea's $350 billion investment pledge to the U.S.

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