Lee Hosts DP Leadership Dinner, Secures Party Support for 2026 Agenda
Updated (7 articles)
Lee Holds Bipartisan Luncheon With Ruling and Minor Parties President Lee Jae Myung convened a 90‑minute luncheon on 16 January at Cheong Wa Dae, bringing together the ruling Democratic Party and five minor parties – Rebuilding Korea, New Reform, Basic Income, Jinbo and Social Democratic – marking his third meeting with party leaders since taking office and the first since September [2][3][4]. Opposition leader Jang Dong‑hyeok of the People Power Party did not attend, having begun a hunger strike the previous day to demand the DP accept special probe bills on Unification Church bribery and alleged illicit nomination payments [2][3][4]. The gathering underscored Lee’s push for cross‑party cooperation on state affairs despite heightened partisan tension.
Discussion Focused on Major Corporate Crises and Security At the luncheon, Lee urged bipartisan action on the massive Coupang data breach, citing national‑security implications and the need for unified response [2]. Attendees also examined Homeplus’s liquidity problems and a labor dispute at GM Korea, reflecting the administration’s concern over corporate stability and industrial‑relations challenges [2]. Lee referenced his recent diplomatic trips to China and Japan, linking economic security to foreign‑policy considerations [2].
President Meets DP Leadership for Two‑Hour Dinner On 19 January, Lee hosted a two‑hour‑forty‑minute dinner at the presidential residence with DP leader Jung Chung‑rae and floor leader Han Byung‑do, seeking ground‑level perspectives on public sentiment and policy messaging [1]. The conversation spanned international politics, security, and the promotion of South Korea’s K‑culture industry [1]. DP officials pledged sturdy support for Lee’s agenda in the new year, emphasizing national unity and economic growth [1].
Lee Announces New Year Press Conference and Policy Roadmap Lee used the 16 January luncheon to announce a New Year press conference scheduled for 21 January at Cheong Wa Dae, where he will unveil his 2026 policy vision covering livelihoods, the economy, diplomacy, security and culture [2]. The event will be his third press briefing since assuming the presidency, following July and September sessions [2].
Sources
-
1.
Yonhap: Lee meets DP leadership to discuss pending issues – Details the 19 January dinner with DP leaders, its two‑hour‑forty‑minute length, agenda covering public sentiment, international politics and K‑culture, and the DP’s pledge of support .
-
2.
Yonhap: Lee urges bipartisan action on Coupang data breach at Cheong Wa Dae luncheon – Describes the 16 January bipartisan luncheon, Lee’s call for cooperation on the Coupang breach, Homeplus liquidity, GM Korea labor dispute, and notes Jang Dong‑hyeok’s hunger strike and upcoming 21 January press conference .
-
3.
Yonhap: Lee hosts bipartisan luncheon with ruling and opposition leaders at Cheong Wa Dae – Reports the same 16 January luncheon, emphasizes Jang’s absence, lists the five minor parties present, and notes the meeting’s purpose of seeking policy support after Lee’s September visit to China and Japan .
-
4.
Yonhap: Lee to host bipartisan luncheon with ruling and opposition leaders – Announces the planned 16 January luncheon, outlines invited minor parties, explains Jang’s likely non‑attendance due to his hunger strike, and previews Lee’s intent to summarize his China and Japan trips while seeking bipartisan cooperation .
Timeline
Dec 2025 – The presidential office moves back to the historic Cheong Wa Dae building, enabling President Lee’s new‑year outreach events and signaling a return to traditional governance venues[7].
Jun 2025 – Lee Jae Myung assumes the presidency, launching an administration that prioritizes cross‑party dialogue and rapid policy rollout after taking office in June[3].
Jan 1, 2026 – Lee hosts a New Year’s meeting with leaders from politics, the judiciary and business, while the People Power Party skips the session amid heated judiciary‑reform disputes, underscoring partisan rifts at the year’s start[7].
Jan 12, 2026 – Lee announces a Friday lunch at Cheong Wa Dae for the ruling Democratic Party, the opposition People Power Party and five minor parties, aiming to exchange views on the economy and secure cooperation on key initiatives[5][6]; opposition leader Jang Dong‑hyuk tells KBS he “would prefer a one‑on‑one meeting with Lee to discuss the economy and foreign affairs”[5].
Jan 15, 2026 – Cheong Wa Dae confirms the bipartisan luncheon for Friday, noting that PPP leader Jang Dong‑hyeok begins a hunger strike demanding the DP accept special probe bills on Unification‑Church bribery and illicit nomination payments, making his attendance unlikely[4].
Jan 16, 2026 – President Lee convenes the bipartisan luncheon, bringing together the DP, five minor parties and (absent) PPP leaders; he “urges bipartisan action on the Coupang data breach” and also addresses Homeplus liquidity troubles and a GM Korea labor dispute, reflecting the administration’s push to stabilize critical sectors[2][3].
Jan 16, 2026 – The luncheon marks Lee’s third meeting with party leaders since taking office and his first such gathering since September, illustrating sustained outreach despite ongoing partisan tensions[3].
Jan 19, 2026 – Lee hosts a two‑hour‑forty‑minute dinner with DP leader Jung Chung‑rae and floor leader Han Byung‑do, seeking ground‑level perspectives on public sentiment, reviewing international politics and K‑culture, and receiving a pledge of “sturdy support” from the DP for the new year[1].
Jan 21, 2026 – Lee schedules a New Year’s press conference at Cheong Wa Dae to unveil his 2026 policy vision on livelihoods, the economy, diplomacy, security and culture, providing a roadmap for the administration’s priorities for the year[2].
All related articles (7 articles)
-
Yonhap: Lee meets DP leadership to discuss pending issues
-
Yonhap: Lee urges bipartisan action on Coupang data breach at Cheong Wa Dae luncheon
-
Yonhap: Lee hosts bipartisan luncheon with ruling and opposition leaders at Cheong Wa Dae
-
Yonhap: Lee to host bipartisan luncheon with ruling and opposition leaders
-
Yonhap: Lee to host Friday lunch with ruling and opposition leaders
-
Yonhap: Lee to host bipartisan leaders on Friday at Cheong Wa Dae
-
Yonhap: Lee to host New Year's meeting with political, judiciary, and business leaders as opposition declines