Ruling and Opposition Policy Committees Launch Consultative Body on First Day of Regular Session: "Priority to Overlapping General and Local Election Pledges"

Agreement to Hold Regular Meetings Every Two Weeks
Common Agendas Include Low Birthrate, Public Safety, and Youth Policies
Opposition: "Let's Also Discuss the Yellow Envelope Act and Criminal Procedure Act"

The policy chiefs of both the ruling and opposition parties held a joint policy committee meeting at the National Assembly on September 1, the opening day of the regular parliamentary session, and agreed to work together on passing bills focused on the livelihoods of the people. In particular, they decided to prioritize handling overlapping pledges from both the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party, made during the 22nd National Assembly elections and the most recent June 3 local elections.

At the suggestion of Im Eija, policy chief of the People Power Party, those in attendance agreed to hold regular meetings every two weeks going forward.

Kwon Chilseung, policy chief of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated at the joint meeting, "The first, second, and third priorities are livelihood issues," adding, "Let’s move quickly to address pending matters that both ruling and opposition parties can tackle together, so we can deliver tangible results for the people."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Photo by Hwang Kwangmo - Kwon Chilseung, policy chief of the Democratic Party of Korea (third from left), and Im Eija, policy chief of the People Power Party (second from left), shake hands at the joint policy committee meeting between the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party held at the National Assembly on September 1, 2026. hkmpooh@yna.co.kr (End)

Policy chief Kwon remarked, "During the 22nd National Assembly elections, there was considerable overlap on issues such as the declining birthrate, climate crisis, public safety, protection for small business owners, and youth policies." He added, "Starting today, at least at the policy committee level, there will be no partisan strife obstructing the people’s livelihood." He went on to say, "Open and frank discussions between the parties are always welcomed. We will set an example by actively accepting reasonable proposals as the ruling party." He further noted, "We are well aware of the opposition’s alternative views on the three major mega-projects and other main policies of our party. That is why we should meet and discuss more frequently during times like these."

Im Eija, policy chief of the People Power Party, began by saying, "I suggested to policy chief Kwon that we should speak frankly, and I appreciate that he agreed to do so." Im continued, "The National Assembly should not be a place solely for conflict. The fundamental purpose of the Assembly is to improve the lives of our citizens." She stressed, "Even amid confrontation, the ruling and opposition parties must join forces to find solutions when it comes to issues affecting the people's livelihoods."

Policy chief Im proposed that the parties prioritize the swift passage of common pledges and legislative agendas that benefit the public, while sufficiently deliberating contentious bills and working together to prepare supplemental legislation as needed. She also suggested establishing a permanent communication channel between the policy chiefs. In particular, regarding contentious bills, she said, "Even for laws that are already in effect, we must show the flexibility to make bold revisions if side effects or public inconvenience are discovered." Citing the Yellow Envelope Act as an example, she said, "Since there are concerns about the scope of covered employers and bargaining parties resulting in difficulties for industrial site victims after enactment, I hope we can discuss ways to address these issues."

Additionally, she proposed working together on the 133 legislative tasks across seven policy areas announced by the People Power Party at its policy seminar, including 'housing price stabilization' and 'growth engines.'

The Democratic Party’s policy chiefs called for accelerating key government policy initiatives, such as the three major mega-projects. Heyoung, the Democratic Party’s senior deputy chief for social affairs, said, "It would be good if the policy committee could go beyond centralized policies and also address regional policy to achieve balanced regional development." He further emphasized the importance of legislative efforts for youth-related issues.

Min Byungdeok, the Democratic Party’s senior deputy chief for economic affairs, highlighted issues in the financial markets related to household debt, capital market reforms, real estate, and the regional economy, stating, "Support budget for vulnerable groups and improvements to economic recovery and financial safety systems are areas where ruling and opposition parties must work together as closely as possible to reach swift solutions."

The People Power Party, meanwhile, raised checks and criticisms regarding the abolition of supplementary investigative authority, stock market volatility, and real estate issues. Park Suyeong, vice policy chief of the People Power Party, said, "Prices have soared to the ceiling, and in real estate, the cost of homes, jeonse, and monthly rent are all rising in a difficult environment," adding, "Unemployment and business closure rates are also increasing. The stock market has been experiencing sharp swings—a veritable rollercoaster market."

Vice policy chief Park continued, "I hope that in all cases, bills can be agreed upon at the standing committee level," and referenced a promise by the Democratic Party’s policy chief not to push ahead with legislation unilaterally, stating, "We should avoid the error of skipping proper discussions at the committee level and moving bills directly to the plenary session, as happened at the beginning of this Assembly." He added, "Regardless of being the ruling or opposition party, this is the National Assembly. If the Assembly simply rubber-stamps what the government wants, there is no meaning to the separation of powers. I hope the Assembly will demonstrate its true role."

There were also tensions over the recent cabinet reshuffle at the presidential office. Kim Eunhye, vice policy chief of the People Power Party, referred to Kim Seungwon, the nominee for Minister of Justice, stating, "The public believes the confirmation hearing for Kim, who has been called the 'main dish of this reshuffle' and the 'prosecution withdrawal representative,' must be conducted strictly for the sake of the rule of law in this country." In response, Park Heeseung, standing deputy policy chief of the Democratic Party, countered, "There are differing views within the Democratic Party on the issue of prosecution withdrawal, so there is no need for excessive worry."

After the meeting, policy chief Im spoke with reporters and said, "Our next meeting will be a breakfast gathering on the 15th of this month," adding, "We will coordinate and adjust livelihood-related bills among the parties’ pledges."

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