President Lee Jae-myung Holds Dinner with New Democratic Party Leadership at the Presidential Residence

On the 23rd, President Lee Jae-myung held a dinner at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan, Seoul, to meet with the newly appointed leadership of the Democratic Party.

According to Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jeong, during the approximately two-hour meeting, President Lee emphasized that "this is a very urgent time for collaboration and communication between the legislative and executive branches for the better lives and improvement of the livelihoods of the people."

He also expressed his ambition, stating, "The harmony between the party and government is the foundation for success," and that he intends to be a president with higher approval ratings at the end of his term than at the beginning.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong Retained… "For Balance"

During the dinner, discussions also took place regarding the decision to retain Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong.

Before the dinner, President Lee Jae-myung appointed ministers for 11 ministries. Notably, Song Mi-ryeong, a minister appointed during the previous administration by former President Yoon Seok-youl, was retained, drawing attention.

Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, explained the background behind Minister Song's retention by saying, "Her retention is based on the philosophy of the Lee Jae-myung administration's pragmatism, which aims to provide opportunities regardless of political affiliation and to judge based on performance and ability."

According to News1, when concerns within the ruling party were raised regarding Minister Song's retention, President Lee explained at the dinner that "appointments were made for balance regardless of political factions." He added, "(Minister Song) actively expresses her opinions during cabinet meetings and works hard," to alleviate concerns within the ruling party.

Appointments were made for balance regardless of political factions

(Song) actively expresses her opinions during cabinet meetings and works hard

Minister Song Mi-ryeong was born in Seoul in 1967 and graduated from Changdeok Girls' High School and Ewha Womans University with a degree in Political Science and International Relations. She obtained a master's degree in Urban Planning and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Seoul National University.

She began her career in 1997 as a senior researcher at the Korea Agricultural Research Institute, serving in various roles including Director of the Planning and Coordination Office, Head of the Balanced Development Research Division, Head of the Agricultural and Rural Policy Research Department, Head of the Agricultural Outlook Division, and Vice President.

She has also served as a full member of the Presidential Committee on Regional Development, a member of the Agricultural and Rural Special Committee, a member of the Saemangeum Committee, a non-executive director of the Korea Rural Community Corporation, and a member of the Land Policy Committee. Additionally, she has held positions as a vice president of the Korea Regional Development Association and the Korea Rural Planning Association, as well as a policy advisor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Meanwhile, at the dinner, President Lee shared experiences from the recent G7 summit, emphasizing the active role of parliamentary diplomacy.

It was reported that he recounted anecdotes from his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reminiscing about their youth.

Image source: President Lee Jae-myung taking a commemorative photo with Kim Byeong-ki, the new floor leader of the Democratic Party, and other members of the new party leadership at the dinner on June 23 in his residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. 2025.6.23/News1 (Presidential Office), Minister Song Mi-ryeong appearing at a full committee meeting of the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, and Fisheries Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 23, 2025, to explain the proposal for the first supplementary budget bill for 2025. /News1, President Lee Jae-myung / News1