On January 16, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung hosted a New Year luncheon at Sangchunjae in the Blue House, inviting nine party leaders. The event aimed to gather diverse opinions from political leaders and seek bipartisan cooperation for the new year. While the People Power Party leadership and Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok were absent, key opposition leaders from the Democratic Party, Cho Kuk Innovation Party, Progressive Party, Reform Party, Basic Income Party, and Social Democratic Party attended, adding significance to the meeting. President Lee emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation for national interests and regional integration.
Attendees included Jeong Cheong-rae (Democratic Party leader), Han Byung-do (floor leader), Cho Kuk (Cho Kuk Innovation Party leader), Seo Wang-jin (floor leader), Kim Jae-yeon (Progressive Party leader), Yoon Jong-o (floor leader), Chun Ha-ram (Reform Party floor leader), Yong Hye-in (Basic Income Party leader), and Han Chang-min (Social Democratic Party leader). People Power Party leaders Jang Dong-hyuk and Song Eon-seok did not attend, and Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok was on an overseas trip. The luncheon also addressed issues such as Coupang, Homeplus, and GM Korea, with a general consensus on the need for bipartisan cooperation.
President Lee, reflecting on his overseas trips, stressed the importance of diplomatic cooperation for national interests and called for political unity to overcome the capital region’s dominance and achieve regional integration. Jeong Cheong-rae agreed on the need for bipartisan cooperation in diplomacy, Cho Kuk urged for the completion of prosecution reform, and Kim Jae-yeon called for electoral system reform before local elections. Chun Ha-ram requested the exercise of the right to reconsider the second special investigation law, Yong Hye-in proposed the swift launch of the Basic Society Committee, and Han Chang-min called for addressing worsening social inequality.
The 2026 New Year press conference is scheduled for the morning of January 21 at the Blue House State Guest House, with 160 domestic and foreign journalists attending for 90 minutes. The event, under the slogan ‘Great Transformation Together, Leap Forward for All,’ will feature President Lee outlining his policy vision and engaging in open Q&A. Questions will cover the economy, foreign affairs and national defense, and social and cultural issues, with two young YouTubers specially invited to participate. The key visual of the conference symbolizes the ‘Light of Transformation,’ representing active communication with the public.
This luncheon and the upcoming press conference highlight two major trends: bipartisan political cooperation and enhanced communication with the public. President Lee’s emphasis on national interests and regional integration reflects a strategic focus on balanced development and social cohesion, signaling important directions for future policy. Allowing young YouTubers to participate in the press conference demonstrates an adaptation to digital communication trends and a willingness to incorporate youth perspectives into governance. These efforts are expected to improve policy transparency, expand public participation, and strengthen social trust.