SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday urged the newly elected leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and two former contenders of the leadership race to unite, calling them all key figures for the administration.

Lee made the call during a dinner at Cheong Wa Dae with newly elected DP Chair Kim Min-seok and former contenders Reps. Jung Chung-rae and Song Young-gil, who competed against Kim in the party's leadership race.

Lee congratulated Kim on his election and offered words of encouragement to the other two while stressing that all of them are important figures for the administration, Hong Ihk-pyo, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, said in a written briefing.

Lee said the ruling party, the government and the presidential office are partners that share a historic mission and called on them to work together to make this year the beginning of an "irreplaceable Republic of Korea," according to Hong.

The meeting came just two days after Monday's national convention, where Kim won 54.08 percent of the vote, compared with Jung's 45.92 percent.

julesyi@yna.co.kr

(END)

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program
  • Incheon airport ranks world's No. 1 in int'l passenger traffic in first half
  • (LEAD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

  • (2nd LD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War

  • Trump signs memo permitting foreign shipbuilders to build up to 2 U.S. ships in their shipyards
  • (LEAD) Lee reiterates support for four-year, two-term presidential system
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

  • Incheon airport ranks world's No. 1 in int'l passenger traffic in first half

  • Death penalty sought for woman accused of killing 2 men with laced drinks

  • N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' measures despite Trump's order to reduce drills with S. Korea
  • Seoul not notified in advance of Trump's order to scale back drills: FM Cho
  • Hanwha wins U.S. Army contract for K9 self-propelled howitzer prototypes
  • (LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. cut short joint military exercise following Trump order