Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo on Tuesday stopped by the National Assembly for the first time since assuming office last week, to carry out what is often considered a ceremonial visit.

His visit was an emotional one though, as he shed tears with his former counterpart Rep. Woo Yoon-keun of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy. The two met for the first time since Lee’s tough confirmation hearing earlier this month.

Woo and Lee began an unlikely friendship last year as the floor leaders of their respective parties, conducting lengthy negotiations over divisive draft bills. During the talks, Lee earned the trust of Woo and other NPAD moderates through his affability and mediating skills.

When President Park Geun-hye designated Lee as prime minister nominee on Jan. 23, analysts hence expected him to receive Assembly approval smoothly.

Not only did Lee’s governing Saenuri Party hold a majority, but his friendship with Woo appeared to guarantee the support of the opposition. Woo even gave him a book entitled “The Best Prime Minister, and the Worst Prime Minister” as a congratulatory present.

But fate turned against Lee when reports surfaced that the third-term lawmaker had speculated on real estate, evaded conscription, and intimidated journalists to deter them from writing critical stories of him. The ensuing public backlash compelled Woo and the NPAD to vote against Lee’s nomination.

The prime minister was approved despite the opposition. But his tarnished reputation had stripped him of his political value to President Park, who had hoped Lee’s image as a moderate, and outspoken supporter of bipartisanship would boost her public ratings.

“I was truly sorry,” Woo said calmly with watery eyes on Tuesday, “that I couldn’t help Rep. Lee.” Lee put his arms over Woo’s shoulders, as if to say it was OK.

“Rep. Lee is more than just a prime minister to me. He was a great counterpart with whom I could conduct fair negotiations in an atmosphere of trust.”

“I will offer him constructive criticism as the opposition’s floor leader, but I will cooperate every time I can,” Woo added.

The Woo-Lee duo is remembered for coming up with compromises on tough bills including the special Sewol bill and this year’s government budget.

The special Sewol bill authorized an investigation into the April sinking of the ferry, which had left over 300 dead or missing. The accident continues to stir immense criticism of the Park administration for its handling of the rescue operations.

Governing party lawmakers had opposed the bill, saying prosecutorial investigations and an earlier parliamentary probe had already looked into the disaster, while the NPAD had supported the bill.

Woo and Lee were also credited with playing key roles in passing the 2015 budget before the constitutionally mandated Dec. 2 deadline for the first time since 2002. They had agreed on a compromise spending plan hours before midnight of Dec. 2 last year, following weeks of partisan fights over potential tax hikes and public education funding, among other things.

By Jeong Hunny (hj257@heraldcorp.com)