Lee Jae-myung Seeks Unity with Party Leaders, Calls for End to ‘Ming-Qing Confrontation’ Narrative
President Lee Jae-myung hosted a dinner with key Democratic Party leaders on January 19, 2026, aiming to foster stronger party-government relations and address internal dynamics as the administration enters its second year in power. The meeting, held at the Blue House, saw frank discussions on legislative priorities, administrative reforms, and recent personnel challenges, alongside a lighthearted exchange regarding perceived divisions within the party.
Following his return from a visit to Japan on January 14th – where he was greeted at Seoul Airport by Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae and other officials – President Lee initiated the dinner as a means of solidifying support and streamlining communication with the party’s newly elected leadership. The banquet lasted two hours and forty minutes, focusing on “state affairs and the people’s livelihood in general,” according to party chief spokesperson Park Soo-hyun.
A notable moment during the dinner involved a playful exchange between President Lee and Representative Chung. According to reports, President Lee jokingly asked Representative Chung, “Are you anti-Myung (anti-Lee Jae-myung)?” to which Representative Chung responded with a laugh, “We are all pro-Myung (pro-Lee Jae-myung) and pro-Cheong Wa Dae.” However, the levity underscored a more serious point raised by the President regarding media portrayals of internal party dynamics.
“There is an expression in the media that it is a confrontation between Ming and Ming (President Lee and Representative Chung) in the media, whether they are trying to start a fight or divide us,” President Lee reportedly stated, adding, “Shouldn’t this be corrected?” This comment is widely interpreted as a response to perceptions that the recent Supreme Council by-election exposed a rift between factions aligned with President Lee and those considered closer to the government.
President Lee emphasized his desire to remain connected to public sentiment, stating, “I hope to often hear about public sentiment and world stories that I may not be aware of through those of you who are in the field and breathing together with the people.” He explained that the dinner was prompted by the completion of the Supreme Council elections and a desire for regular engagement with the party’s leadership.
Representative Chung expressed gratitude for President Lee’s leadership, acknowledging his dedication even during past investigations and trials. He affirmed the party’s commitment to the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, stating, “We will unite around the president and play our party’s role well to create a great Republic of Korea.”
Floor Leader Han Byeong-do addressed the National Assembly’s legislative performance, acknowledging a low passage rate of 20.2% over the past 20 months – the lowest compared to previous assemblies. He pledged to prioritize legislative support for the administration’s agenda.
Discussions also covered broader policy issues, including responses to the evolving international landscape, the ongoing promotion of administrative integration, and strategies for advancing prosecution reform. The party leadership briefed President Lee on plans for a public hearing regarding the Serious Crimes Investigation Office and the Public Prosecution Act, as well as the status of the personnel hearing for Minister of Planning and Budget Lee Hye-hoon, whose confirmation had recently stalled.
Attendees reportedly pledged to support President Lee’s vision, aiming to “polish the party’s diverse voices” and achieve “integration and leap forward in 2026.” The dinner menu featured a selection of Korean delicacies, including octopus salad, sashimi, and grilled yellowtail. Supreme Council member Park Jie-won offered a toast invoking “party sovereignty, people’s sovereignty.”
. The dinner signals a renewed effort by President Lee to consolidate power and navigate the challenges of his second year in office, emphasizing unity and a collaborative approach to governance.
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