Ruling Party Suggested a Talk to the Biggest Opposition

Uri Party Chairman Shin Gi-nam officially suggested a leader’s meeting to the Grand National Party leader, Park Geun-hye, on July 20.

Chairman Shin’s message was delivered by Kim Bu-gyeum, the Uri Party’s head secretary, who paid a courtesy visit to the GNP after Park was elected to lead the party. “We have many pressing national issues, such as capital relocation, but we are experiencing a severe conflict between people with different opinions. We believe we need to have open-minded and frank talks with her soon because she is known to be pursuing a win-win politics.”

Kim also added regarding the timing of the meeting, “Sooner is better. We would like to talk about several major issues such as the capital relocation which needs a national consensus, but which only became a source of a national conflict just now.”

The Uri Party’s Planning Committee head, Min Byung-doo, expressed hope. “The possibilities of a three-way talk with the president and the two leaders, and a two-way talk between the president and Park following the leaders’ talk, are being considered. These series of talks may lead us to a national unity before the independence day on August 15.”

In the mean time, the GNP’s leader, Park, had an inaugural interview in the party headquarters located in Yeumchang –dong, Seoul. She replied, “I will make a decision upon having a discussion with our senior members.”

Yong-Gwan Jung yongari@donga.com