Ruling Party to Introduce Super-Regional Special Zone Act... Han Byeong-do: "We Won't Set a Deadline for Passage; We'll Allow Deliberation and Debate"

Democratic Party to introduce bills with and without the 52-hour workweek exemption

Party to consider establishing a special committee in the National Assembly

People Power Party says restrictions related to the 52-hour workweek should be eased this time

The Democratic Party of Korea will introduce the “Super-Regional Special Zone Act” on Oct. 20, including a provision that would exempt high-income and research and development (R&D) workers from the 52-hour workweek. The party also plans to introduce a separate version of the bill without the exemption, then begin discussions without setting a deadline for passage and seek to build social consensus.

Han Byeongdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, delivers opening remarks at a meeting on preparations for parliamentary audits at the National Assembly on Oct. 20, 2026. Photo by Yoon Dongju

Han Byeong-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at a meeting on preparations for the parliamentary audit at the National Assembly that day, “The Democratic Party will introduce the Super-Regional Special Zone Act to support corporate investment and locally led growth.” He explained, “The act will expand growth opportunities, now concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, across the country and support each region in leading the future of the Republic of Korea through its strategic industries.”

The Super-Regional Special Zone Act would bring multiple local governments together into a single metropolitan economic zone, establish large-scale special zones, and provide measures such as expedited permits and approvals and regulatory relief. The bill was initially known as the Mega Special Zone Act, but its name reportedly changed during preparations for the legislation.

Floor Leader Han, seemingly mindful of the controversy surrounding the 52-hour workweek exemption, said, “The Democratic Party will submit two versions of the bill: one that includes the exemption and one that does not.” He added, “We will not set a deadline for passage and will allow ample time for deliberation and debate. We will make every effort to reach social consensus.” The party plans to hear from people across various sectors and proceed with a consolidated review of the bills.

The party also decided to consider establishing a special committee in the National Assembly in connection with the legislation. “During the bill review process, we must also comprehensively examine support measures for corporate investment and regional growth. We need cross-ministerial support, from finance, funding and tax policy to talent development and infrastructure,” Han said. “Since we need to address issues spanning multiple ministries and standing committees together, we will actively consider establishing a special committee in the National Assembly.” The Democratic Party had initially planned to advance the bill through the National Policy Committee, but Han indicated that it could change course by forming a special committee.

The People Power Party expressed hope that the Super-Regional Special Zone Act could resolve issues such as the controversy over the 52-hour workweek. Choi Su-jin, senior deputy floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, said, “We have been saying for a long time that the 52-hour limit needs to be eased.” She added, “The Democratic Party is only catching up now, but I hope this bill passes and the restrictions are eased as a result.” Choi also said, “The People Power Party has introduced related legislation, and I hope the majority party will take a more open-minded position on this issue.”

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