Applause Rings Out for Yoon's State of the Nation Address on 'Bipartisan Cooperation'... Opposition Lawmakers Remain 'Solemn'

Yoon's First National Assembly Policy Speech Highlights
Changed Ruling and Opposition, Contrasting Atmosphere

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized 'cooperation' in his first policy speech at the National Assembly since taking office, as the ruling and opposition parties, whose roles have reversed, greeted him with contrasting atmospheres.

On the 16th, President Yoon took the podium in the main chamber of the National Assembly and delivered a speech lasting about 15 minutes. The speech included ▲plans to build trust amid inter-Korean tensions ▲promotion of pension, labor, and education reforms ▲and the supplementary budget bill.

On the surface, the speech seemed to be met with cheers. Members of the ruling People Power Party gave a standing ovation and cheers as soon as President Yoon entered the chamber. They applauded vigorously 18 times over about 2 minutes from the entrance to the podium.

Meanwhile, Democratic Party members welcomed President Yoon's visit but greeted him with a somewhat subdued atmosphere. Floor leader Park Hong-geun and Joint Emergency Response Committee Chairman Yoon Ho-jung smiled and shook hands with him, while other members exchanged light handshakes or nods with President Yoon and then took their seats without applause.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Even after the speech began, People Power Party members responded to President Yoon with applause. They applauded each time he mentioned keywords such as 'labor reform,' 'education reform,' and 'bipartisan cooperation.' The applause echoed a total of 18 times throughout the speech.

After the speech ended, President Yoon toured the entire chamber, shaking hands and greeting members. During the approximately 5-minute tour, People Power Party members continuously applauded. Among them, he exchanged warm greetings and handshakes with Sim Sang-jung, a Justice Party member and former presidential candidate.

However, some Democratic Party members received President Yoon's greetings with somewhat stern expressions. Democratic Party member Choi Hye-young, who was in a wheelchair, lightly responded to the greeting when President Yoon approached and extended his hand.