President Lee meets senior ruling party lawmakers, stresses importance of governing party's role

President Lee Jae Myung hosted a dinner Wednesday for senior Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers who have served five or more terms in the National Assembly.

Cheong Wa Dae political affairs chief Hong Ik-pyo said in a written briefing that Lee called on the ruling party to fulfill its responsibilities. Lee also said the party and Cheong Wa Dae must communicate closely and cooperate to find practical solutions as the hardships facing the public continue to mount.

Lee said he would "faithfully reflect the experience and wisdom that senior lawmakers have accumulated through their long political careers in the management of state affairs."

Lee said "the role of the ruling party becomes all the more important in times when people's lives are difficult," adding that the party must demonstrate a sense of responsibility — not only through policy results but also in its words and actions — that meets the public's expectations.

Lee also asked senior lawmakers to help mediate diverse opinions within the party and to lend their support to advancing reform, improving livelihoods and promoting unity.

Those attending the dinner included six-term lawmaker Song Yeong-gil and five-term lawmakers Park Jee-won, Woo Won-shik, Kim Tae-nyeon, Ahn Gyu-baek, Yun Ho-jung, Jeong Dong-yeong, Jeong Seong-ho and Lee In-yeong.

Hong said the senior lawmakers shared a range of views on key national issues and proposed policy measures, covering topics including the need for constitutional reform and political reform, the importance of improving inter-Korean relations and peace on the Korean Peninsula, livelihood economic concerns, securing local fiscal resources, and stability and unity within the party.

Lee said he would "treat the valuable opinions offered by those present as precious assets in governing the country and work together to deliver results for the people."