Jeong Cheong-rae, the new leader of the Democratic Party, visits former President Moon Jae-in… conveys expectations for the stable launch of the Lee Jae-myung government
On the 7th, Jeong Cheong-rae, the newly appointed leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited former President Moon Jae-in and sought advice on the direction of party operations.
During this meeting, former President Moon expressed expectations for the stable launch of the Lee Jae-myung government and the promotion of reform tasks.
According to Democratic Party spokesperson Kwon Hyang-yeop, the visit took place at Moon's private residence in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, for about 50 minutes starting at 11:11 a.m. Moon urged Jeong, stating, "This time, I believe the government can launch stably for the first time and quickly and properly carry out various reform tasks. Please do well."
Former President Moon also congratulated Jeong on being elected with high support from party members and delegates, saying, "Just as the Lee Jae-myung government has launched with high public support, expectations from the people are high. I hope you do well until the local elections next year." He especially noted the encouraging support in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions and mentioned the potential for change in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, requesting more attention there.
Moon Jae-in encourages and advises, "You can be proud"
Former President Moon told Jeong, "You can feel proud," emphasizing that South Korea possesses capabilities ranking within the top 10 globally in areas such as freedom, welfare, economy, COVID-19 response, and diplomacy/security. This statement is interpreted as a positive assessment of the achievements of the Democratic Party's government and an encouraging message to the new leadership.
"You can feel proud."
In response, Jeong remarked, "Your voice is the loudest among the people I've met so far. You seem comfortable," and added, "I will do well. Please teach me well. I will call you when I don't know something." He also mentioned the party's newly established special committee on national veterans' policies, saying, "I will also work hard on commendation projects honoring patriots."
Regarding inter-Korean relations, Jeong expressed, "During your presidency, exchanges between the South and North were good after visiting Pyongyang, but I regret that the foundation has collapsed over the past three years, and we need to restore that." He also mentioned the need to improve the protest culture surrounding former presidents' residences.
Former President Moon also shared about the 'Pyeongsan Bookstore' he runs, stating, "It’s going well," and mentioned that he is preparing a special lecture for the 80th anniversary of liberation featuring photographs of the founders of the Korean Liberation Army and maps indicating Ulleungdo and Dokdo.
Spokesperson Kwon clarified that the issue of a pardon for former Justice Minister Cho Kuk was "not mentioned at all" during the meeting.
Before visiting former President Moon, Jeong and the newly appointed supreme council members visited Bongha Village in Gimhae to pay respects at the grave of former President Roh Moo-hyun and met with Kwon Yang-sook.
Spokesperson Kwon commented, "Jeong was emotional discussing former President Moon while paying respects to former President Roh and talking with Mrs. Kwon," and noted, "Jeong is the first lawmaker and party leader from the Roh Moo-hyun’s supporters."
Jeong stated, "The seeds sown by President Roh have grown into a large forest," adding, "Many supporters of Roh Moo-hyun are emerging as local council members." He also shared a connection regarding a watch he received as a gift during President Moon's inauguration, saying, "This watch was five minutes slow every year, but it has been keeping perfect time for the past two years." Mrs. Kwon responded, "It was made to match the time so that you could work well," which brought laughter.
Image source: Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visits former President Moon Jae-in's residence in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, on the 7th, and leaves the residence with former President Moon. / News1, Former President Moon Jae-in and Kim Jeong-sook take a commemorative photo with Jeong Cheong-rae and other leadership members of the Democratic Party, who visited on the 7th. / Photo provided by the Democratic Party of Korea, Jeong Cheong-rae visits the residence of former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Gimhae, and talks with Kwon Yang-sook on the 7th. / Photo provided by the Democratic Party of Korea.
