The leaders of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) agreed Sunday to form a joint consultative body to discuss matters concerning people’s livelihoods where both parties share common ground.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and DP leader Lee Jae-myung reached the agreement at the end of their talks at the National Assembly, the spokespersons of the two parties said in a presser.

The meeting, which had initially been scheduled for 90 minutes, lasted for 135 minutes, they said. Han and Lee were initially scheduled to meet last Sunday but their talks were postponed after Lee tested positive for COVID-19.

Han Dong-hoon (R), leader of the ruling People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, chief of the main opposition Democratic Party, shake hands ahead of their first official talks at the National Assembly on Sept. 1, 2024. (Yonhap)

Han Dong-hoon (R), leader of the ruling People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, chief of the main opposition Democratic Party, shake hands ahead of
their first official talks at the National Assembly on Sept. 1, 2024. (Yonhap)

At the talks, the two party leaders agreed to work together at the Assembly level to resolve the protracted medical crisis stemming from the doctors’ walkout, while urging the government to ensure thorough preparations for emergency medical demand during the Chuseok holiday later this month.

Discussions on the abolition of the financial investment income tax did not reach a conclusion, but they agreed to discuss measures to address structural issues in the stock market.

Regarding the investigation into the death of a Marine, Lee apparently expressed willingness to accept the PPP-proposed “third party” appointment of a special counsel to look into the case, but Han said discussions within the party were still ongoing.

It marked the first time that the two held official talks as chiefs of the ruling and main opposition parties, and the first such meeting between the rival parties since 2013.

They previously met briefly on Dec. 2
9 when Han took office as the party’s interim leader and paid a courtesy visit to Lee, but no current agenda items were discussed at that time.

Source: Yonhap News Agency