Jang Dong-hyuk raises 30.6 billion won claim… Lee Jae-myung responds “Cut it if true”

Apr 07, 2026, 03:45 pm

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President Lee Jae-myung holds hands with ruling and opposition leaders ahead of a meeting at the presidential office / Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung called for bipartisan cooperation on April 7, saying unity is essential as South Korea faces mounting external challenges.

Speaking at a luncheon meeting of the ruling-opposition-government consultative body at the presidential office, Lee said, “In difficult times like these, especially when external factors put our community at risk, internal unity is extremely important.”

The meeting was attended by ruling Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae and floor leader Han Byung-do, as well as People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and floor leader Song Eon-seok. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok was also present.

Lee acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that while internal factors had been improving, external pressures beyond the country’s control were creating new challenges. He urged both ruling and opposition parties to show consideration and work together, adding that the government is open to suggestions and willing to engage in serious discussions.

Tensions emerged over the supplementary budget proposal. Jang criticized a component of the plan, describing it as “cash handouts to 70% of the population,” while Lee rejected the characterization, saying it was not populism and that such phrasing was excessive. He explained that the support was intended to ease the burden on citizens affected by rising fuel prices.

Jang also claimed that the budget included 30.6 billion won for a program to carry luggage for Chinese tourists. Lee immediately responded, “If it is limited to Chinese nationals, cut it,” while adding that he did not believe the claim was accurate and called for fact-checking.

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President Lee Jae-myung speaks at a meeting of the ruling-opposition-government consultative body on people’s livelihood and the economy / Yonhap News

Lee also raised the need for constitutional reform, stating that the Constitution has become outdated and requires revision, but emphasized that such efforts would require cooperation from the opposition.

The meeting saw moments of subtle tension between Lee and Jang, including disagreements over speaking order and procedural exchanges. At one point, Lee invited Jang to speak first, but Jang deferred, leading to a brief exchange moderated by a presidential aide.

When Lee later offered Jang a chance to respond to earlier remarks, Jang instead brought up unrelated legislative issues, prompting Lee to note procedural norms. Jang responded with a pointed remark: “These days, trials don’t proceed according to the law as they used to,” drawing attention to ongoing political and legal disputes.

The exchange highlighted continuing friction between the ruling and opposition parties, even as both sides publicly acknowledged the need for cooperation in addressing economic challenges.

#Lee Jae-myung #Jang Dong-hyuk #supplementary budget #China tourists #South Korea politics