South Korean President Yoon meets with defeated ruling party lawmakers for lunch... ”Deeply reflects on shortcomings”

On the 24th, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol invited lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party who lost or were not endorsed in the general election to the Blue House (former presidential office) for lunch.
"I would like to express my gratitude to all of you who have worked hard and dedicated yourself to the country, the people and the party. We are a political community with a shared destiny that is responsible for the people's livelihood and the future of this country," Yoon said at the luncheon.
He added, "It is the president's responsibility to run the country by listening to the opinions of lawmakers who have experienced the public sentiment first-hand on the front lines. I would like to thank all of you who have gained a wealth of experience in the National Assembly and in the field of public life.
"We need your wisdom, so I'd love to hear as many opinions as possible," Yoon said to the attendees. "I'm deeply reflecting on my own shortcomings."
In later remarks, Yoon emphasized, "You have all been my comrades since I started in politics, and we are one team. I will do my best to strengthen the power of the party and government."
This comment was interpreted as an indication of a lack of communication, which is seen as one of the reasons for the defeat in the general election, and a desire to bring about change in the vertical relationship between the party and government.
According to the Presidential Office, the lawmakers who attended the meeting frankly conveyed the public sentiment they felt on the ground, and Yoon listened to them. The participants exchanged opinions on reforming the party and the government.
At the same time, they also had an in-depth discussion about the reasons for the defeat in the general election. Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader and acting leader of the People Power Party, said, "All of you gathered here today have worked hard to bring the Yoon administration to power.
"We share the view that the success of the Yoon administration is our mission. I would like to ask for your continued communication and advice for the sake of the country and the party."
During the luncheon, there were many criticisms that the ruling party as a whole must reflect on itself and bring about visible changes.
There were also demands that he should be held accountable, including by being dismissed. Rep. Seo Byung-soo said, "Unlike in the past, in a situation where political polarization is serious, no matter how much we persuade people on the politically moderate side,
"What we can gain from the party will determine whether we win or lose the election. We need to involve as many people as possible, including those who have been alienated from the party and kept their distance."
In particular, Seo said, "If there is a mistake, the president will not take exclusive responsibility, but will transfer authority and responsibility to the prime minister or ministers.
"They should be given the same treatment as the ruling party and, if necessary, dismissed," he said. About 50 lawmakers from the ruling party attended the luncheon.