Seoul: Main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung held a meeting with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong on Thursday, urging Samsung to continue playing a "leading role" in driving economic growth. Lee, from the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), made these remarks at a public event hosted by Samsung aimed at boosting youth employment amidst a challenging economic climate.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized the importance of businesses thriving for a country's prosperity. "For a country to thrive, businesses must do well, and if Samsung prospers, those who have invested in Samsung will also prosper," he stated. He further encouraged Samsung to maintain its pivotal role in fostering economic growth, highlighting the company's historical contributions to the country's economy.
The meeting was initially anticipated to address key issues such as an opposition-led revision to the Commercial Act, which passed the parliament earlier this month, and the ongoing debate over the special chips act and the exemption of semiconductor workers from the 52-hour workweek regulation. However, neither topic was discussed during their closed-door talks, as confirmed by DP Representative Jo Seoung-lae, who was present at the meeting.
This engagement marks Lee's apparent attempt to distance himself from the DP's traditional pro-labor stance and position himself as more business-friendly. This strategic move is likely aimed at appealing to conservative and centrist voters in anticipation of a potential early presidential election.