South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday held a high-level luncheon meeting with leaders of both the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), underscoring his commitment to building solidarity and consensus in national politics.

The talks, held at the presidential office, brought together DP leader Jung Chung-rae and PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk, who were both elected as party chiefs last month. The meeting came just ahead of the opening of the National Assembly’s regular session.

“The greatest responsibility of a president is to unite the people,” President Lee said, pledging to listen not only to the ruling bloc but also to opposition voices. He stressed his role in fostering communication, reducing misunderstandings, and finding common ground to implement shared policy pledges.

During the session, DP leader Jung renewed his demand for “zero tolerance” toward those involved in ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law attempt in December. He emphasized the importance of strict accountability, along with reforms of the judiciary, prosecution, and media to prevent a recurrence.

PPP leader Jang, however, struck a different note, urging President Lee to veto DP-led bills that seek to extend a special counsel probe into Yoon’s martial law case and establish a special court for related trials. “If you intend to revive livelihoods and restore politics, I suggest you boldly use your veto,” Jang said, while also proposing the creation of a permanent communication channel between the government and political parties.

Following the three-way meeting, President Lee held a separate one-on-one session with Jang, accepting the opposition leader’s request for closer consultations on key national issues.