SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- The new chief of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) met with presidential aides Tuesday and vowed to support the Lee Jae Myung administration and strengthen cooperation with the presidential office.

DP leader Kim Min-seok made the remarks as he met with presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik and Hong Ihk-pyo, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, at the National Assembly.

The meeting came one day after former Prime Minister Kim was elected the DP leader at the party's national convention, defeating Rep. Jung Chung-rae, who had been seeking a second consecutive term.

"We will fully support the government and the president's policy direction, while listening to the concerns of the public and delivering the voices to Cheong Wa Dae and the government," Kim said. "I have both expectations and a sense of responsibility that we will communicate as a united team without any barriers."

Kang echoed Kim's calls for close cooperation between the ruling party and the presidential office.

"The party is in the closest position to listen to the voices of the people," Kang said, urging the new leader to let the presidential office know about any concerns of the public that the government may have overlooked.

"I hope we can build a healthier and closer relationship between the party and the presidential office," he added.

Kim's election raised expectations for stronger cooperation between the ruling party and Cheong Wa Dae.

Former DP leader Jung's leadership had prompted concerns among some pro-Lee members who argued that he placed greater emphasis on appealing to the party's hard-line supporters than on closely coordinating with the president on key issues.

julesyi@yna.co.kr

(END)

  • BTS' V reveals hearing loss, Jungkook performs through shin injury on world tour
  • Actor Ha Young apologizes over controversy surrounding family's pro-Japanese past
  • 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

  • Actor Park Eun-bin to release album marking 30-year career

  • BTS' V reveals hearing loss, Jungkook performs through shin injury on world tour

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War
  • Actor Ha Young apologizes over controversy surrounding family's pro-Japanese past
  • 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

  • (3rd LD) Trump orders Pentagon to 'substantially' reduce S. Korea-U.S. military exercises

  • Presidential office expects N. Korea-U.S. leaders' friendship to lead to dialogue
  • Son Heung-min's MLS scoring streak snapped at 4 matches
  • (LEAD) More than 800 mm of rain pummels Geoje, southeastern region; 1 killed in landslide
  • (2nd LD) Trump orders Pentagon to 'substantially' reduce S. Korea-U.S. military exercises