Jo Jung-sik: "National Assembly for Effective Livelihoods"... Kang Hoon-sik: "Swift Parliamentary Probe into Ballot Paper Incident"

Chief of Staff Kang Pays Courtesy Visit to Newly Appointed Assembly Leadership

On June 9, Speaker of the National Assembly Jo Jung-sik stated during a meeting with Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff at the Presidential Office, who paid a courtesy visit to the National Assembly, "Amid rapidly changing global circumstances, this is a crucial time for driving Korea's economic growth and national interests. I will establish a 'National Assembly for Effective Livelihoods' that swiftly pursues recovery of people's livelihoods and legislative reforms."

Kang Hunsik, Chief Secretary of the Presidential Office, delivered a congratulatory flower basket from President Lee Jae-myung to Jo Jeongsik, the newly appointed Speaker of the National Assembly, during a visit to the National Assembly on June 9, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Speaker Jo said, "I have pledged to create a National Assembly for Effective Livelihoods, a National Assembly for Popular Sovereignty, a Future-Oriented National Assembly, and a National Assembly for Diplomacy Serving the National Interest," and added, "I believe my vision is in line with the Lee Jae-myung administration's commitment to popular sovereignty, pragmatic diplomacy, and rapid governance."

He went on to say, "I see the National Assembly as a partner and part of the same community as the executive branch, working together to improve the lives of our people and advance the livelihood economy, and I will actively cooperate."

Chief of Staff Kang, regarding the shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections, stated, "This is a serious matter that could undermine the foundation of democracy and the right to participate in politics," and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the facts, accountability, and institutional reforms.

He also requested, "I urge the National Assembly, as the hall of public opinion, to play an active role in resolving this issue," adding, "I call on both the ruling and opposition parties to quickly proceed with the parliamentary investigation process and to join forces in a bipartisan manner to restore the damaged principle of popular sovereignty."

Meanwhile, attending the meeting were Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, as well as Nam In-soon and Park Deok-heum, the newly appointed Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.