Yoon to meet with opposition leader, other dignitaries ahead of parliamentary budget speech

President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to meet with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and other dignitaries ahead of Yoon’s budget speech at the National Assembly this week in what could lead to the first conversation between the two since Yoon came into office.

Lee, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), decided to attend a meeting that Yoon plans to hold with the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties as well as other dignitaries, such as the Supreme Court chief justice, ahead of his budget speech set for Tuesday, according to Rep. Kwon Chil-seung, the DP’s chief spokesperson.

The meeting is part of an annual parliamentary tradition that precedes the president’s visit to the parliament for a speech. In 2022, the DP boycotted Yoon’s budget speech, and the meeting did not take place as a result.

Since taking office last May, Yoon has had only brief encounters with Lee, a former presidential contender against him, at major commemorative events and exchanged greetings and handshakes. But they have never engaged in sit-down talks.

The presidential office also welcomed Lee’s decision to attend the meeting.

“The prior conversation with Chairman Lee may provide an opportunity to naturally meet and inquire about each other’s well-being,” said a presidential official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.