South Korea’s ruling party floor leader issued a strong appeal for cooperation. Representative Han Byung-do specifically demanded swift legislation on a critical investment bill. He addressed the National Assembly on Tuesday with this urgent request. Consequently, the special bill concerns a massive $350 billion U.S. investment commitment. However, political delays now risk provoking damaging American tariff hikes.
President Donald Trump recently threatened higher tariffs in a social media post. Therefore, Han warned of over four trillion won in annual auto industry costs. Additionally, consumer pressure and job instability would increase significantly. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea seeks bipartisan support for swift legislation. Han argued that citizens will not tolerate politicians endangering national interests.
The opposition previously advocated a different ratification method instead. They preferred endorsing a joint fact sheet from last November. Nevertheless, Han emphasized the severe consequences of further legislative delay. The current National Assembly is processing bills slower than usual. In fact, seventy-seven percent of proposed bills remain pending currently.
Furthermore, Han amplified calls for other contentious legislative priorities. He pushed for granting greater control over the Demilitarized Zone. This proposal aligns with the ruling bloc’s inter-Korean engagement push. However, the United Nations Command criticizes this potential law. They claim it directly conflicts with the existing armistice agreement.
Moreover, Han outlined plans for creating new integrated megacities. These mergers would combine major cities with their surrounding provinces. The party aims to pass these bills before February ends. Han stated this swift legislation would tangibly improve living standards. South Korea’s great leap forward must now begin in the provinces.
Additionally, the party will pursue prosecutorial reform plans aggressively. They also plan a new special counsel investigation into the former president. Han vowed to spare no effort in completing these controversial actions. The former leader and his wife are currently behind bars. This agenda ensures continued deep political polarization nationally.
Finally, Han called for bipartisan support to amend the national constitution. This would be the first such change since the year 1987. A potential referendum could coincide with local elections in June. He also pledged to revise the Referendum Act for overseas voting rights. The Assembly speaker supports a referendum but wants law revisions first.
In conclusion, the address highlighted a packed and contentious legislative calendar. The demand for swift legislation underscores growing economic and political pressures. The ruling party holds a parliamentary majority to pass bills alone. However, they publicly seek opposition cooperation on key measures. The coming weeks will test the legislature’s capacity for compromise.
Ultimately, the stalled U.S. investment bill presents the most immediate test. Swift legislation is necessary to prevent severe financial repercussions. Other proposals involve long-term structural and political changes. The opposition will likely scrutinize each item carefully and critically. Han’s speech sets the stage for a period of intense parliamentary activity. The nation’s economic and diplomatic interests hang in the balance.
