Lee calls for ruling party unity in meeting with ex-President Moon

President Lee Jae Myung met with former President Moon Jae-in on July 1, 2026, to address growing factional tensions within the ruling Democratic Party (DP) ahead of its national convention in August. Lee emphasized the critical need for internal unity to strengthen the party and pursue inclusive politics, stating that the DP government must represent and embrace all citizens.

Moon echoed these sentiments, highlighting national unity as a primary task for the Lee administration and asserting that unity within the DP is the foundational step. He expressed confidence in President Lee's ability to unite the party, integrate the broader democratic progressive bloc, and achieve national unity.

The meeting occurred amid increasing rivalry among potential candidates for the DP leadership, many of whom are seen as close to either Lee or Moon. Recent polls have indicated a decline in Lee's approval ratings, partly attributed to the internal rift within the party, with some members criticizing his policies as deviating from traditional DP stances.