South Korean President Yoon attends ruling party workshop, stresses importance of unity

South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol attended a workshop attended by members of the ruling People Power Party on the occasion of the opening of the 22nd National Assembly on the 30th.
The event was an opportunity to promote cooperation within the party and boost the morale of lawmakers. President Yoon attended the dinner venue for the ruling party's workshop, which was held at the Talent Education and Training Center in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, at 6:30 p.m.
President Yoon arrived at the meeting around 5 a.m. wearing a navy blue suit and the party's signature red tie, and was warmly welcomed by lawmakers. He shook hands with several lawmakers on his way to the head table.
At the head table, President Yoon was flanked by Emergency Response Committee Chairman Hwang Woo-yo and Floor Leader Chu Kyung-ho, along with government officials and other key party officials.
"We have a small number of seats, but this is the moment when we feel that we are the true ruling party," said Aki, drawing laughter. "Today, despite the almost impossible schedule,
"President Yoon rearranged all of his schedules to attend this workshop, which was the first time we held it for lawmakers," he said, calling for applause from the participants.
Chairman Hwang said, "A workshop with the president in attendance is incomparable to any other," and added, "I'm grateful that he took time out of his busy schedule to participate."
"I think this is a big step for the president to join us," he said. "Today I am having a wonderful dinner with the president. With that power, I will make the next four years a success.
"I want you to be here," he said, and suggested everyone shout the slogan, "President, Go for it!" Everyone chanted "Yoon Seok-yeol, Go for it!" three times.
President Yoon took the microphone and said, "Thank you. I am really happy to see you all here today.
"I feel relieved from stress and feel more energized," Yoon said. "I participate in the lawmakers' workshop every year, but today is the first day of the term of the 22nd National Assembly members, so it is even more meaningful."
"I will continue to run with all my might together with you," he said. President Yoon responded, "I said that you should not give up your beer today, but you will be criticized instead.
"I'll go around the tables and offer each of you a glass of Celebration beer," he said jokingly. A can of beer was placed on each table at the dinner venue that day.
The meal included Korean dishes such as seafood hotpot, kalbi jjim, grilled fish, chijimi, and cod salad, all accompanied by gomi ja juice. A total of three toasts were made during the dinner.
Rep. Joo Ho-young, who has the most number of elected seats, was the first to give a toast, saying, "Let's unite! Let's do our best!", followed by first-time elected Rep. Kim Mi-yeon.
Rep. Njung gave a toast. Floor Leader Cho gave the final toast by saying, "Let's come together, we are one," and President Yoon said, "Let's protect our country."
President Yoon did not offer a separate toast or make any closing remarks, but instead went around to all seven tables where the lawmakers were seated, pouring each person a beer into a paper cup and exchanging greetings.
President Yoon encouraged the "108-seat ruling party" by saying, "Numbers are not important. If we can create a warm, united atmosphere, we can protect the country. Let's protect the Republic of Korea together."
At another table, President Yoon said, "We are one family," and called for unity and solidarity between the party and the government. After the dinner, President Yoon held a one-on-one photo session with the lawmakers and party officials.
President Yoon left the venue at around 8:13 pm, about an hour and 40 minutes after he had joined. This is the third consecutive year that President Yoon has attended a ruling party workshop since taking office.