SEOUL — President Yoon Suk Yeol hosted a luncheon at the Cheong Wa Dae, the former presidential compound, to honor outgoing lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP). This event occurred two weeks after the PPP suffered a significant defeat in the general elections, resulting in the National Assembly passing into the hands of the Democratic Party. During the luncheon, President Yoon expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for their dedication to the nation, emphasizing the shared political fate and responsibility towards the people and the future of the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Yoon engaged the attendees in discussions on national policies, reflecting on the importance of their experiences in addressing the issues critical to the livelihood of the people. Suggestions were made by several lawmakers, including Rep. Suh Byung-soo, who emphasized the need for the party to adopt a more inclusive approach due to the influence of moderate voters. Additionally, Rep. Tae Young-ho proposed reevaluating the country's citizenship policy amidst concerns over the declining birth rate. Approximately 50 PPP members, either not renominated or defeated in the recent April 10 elections, attended the luncheon.