Lee vows to build 'structural majority'; Moon says party unity is the starting point

President Lee Jae Myung hosted former President Moon Jae-in for a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday.

It was the first official meeting between the two since Lee took office. The meeting had been in the works since shortly after Lee's inauguration but was repeatedly delayed by state affairs and overseas trips, finally coming together when both sides' schedules aligned. No formal agenda was set, but the two exchanged wide-ranging views on national affairs — including livelihoods, the economy, diplomacy and security — as well as national unity and the international situation.

The meeting drew particular attention as it came amid simmering tensions between factions loyal to Lee and those aligned with Moon ahead of the Democratic Party of Korea's Aug. 17 national convention.

At Sangchunjae inside Cheong Wa Dae, Lee greeted Moon with an embrace and offered him the seat of honor on the right, saying, "From my overseas trips I've learned that the senior guest always sits on the right — so, President, please say a few words to your junior first."

Moon thanked Lee for the invitation and said he was deeply moved to be visiting Cheong Wa Dae for the first time since leaving office.

Moon then said that national unity was "yet another historic task" facing the Lee administration, adding that he believed "party unity must be the starting point on the road to national unity."

He said the Democratic Party must first unite within itself, then forge a broader coalition with the democratic reform camp and the forces that had joined the "revolution of light" together, in order to bring the people's hearts together as one. "The only person in South Korea today who can achieve Democratic Party unity, a broader unity with the democratic reform camp, and ultimately national unity, is President Lee," Moon said.

Lee responded by saying that because they were not pursuing personal interests, the fundamental goal was to govern on behalf of everyone and deliver politics and administration for all. "Internal unity is therefore very important — we need to be solid at the core," he said.

Lee added that the party must "continuously expand its reach to build a structural majority," saying the effort had to be backed by tangible results, not words alone. "I think we need to strike the right balance between these two things," he said.

Lee doubled down, saying the democratic government had become a major force responsible for the entire nation and pledging to rally like-minded people so that no one would have cause for concern. "On that foundation, I will work to expand toward a structural majority," he said.

The luncheon menu at Cheong Wa Dae was also designed to reflect the themes of harmony and unity that both presidents have championed.

Cheong Wa Dae said the meal centered on summer stamina dishes chosen with Moon in mind, as he enjoys seafood and fish.

Earlier that day, before the luncheon with Moon, Lee presented the appointment certificate to Han Sung-sook, the newly confirmed prime minister.

On her way into the Government Seoul Complex for her first day of work, Han told reporters that South Korea's standing was shifting — from a country that had chased the era of great transformation to one that now leads it. "I will do my utmost in my duties to ensure the government moves more nimbly and that necessary policies are carried out in a timely manner," she said.

Han said the speed of government was "extremely important" as South Korea moves toward becoming irreplaceable on the world stage. "I will do my best to make this a faster-moving government," she said.