Park Hong-geun "Conceded the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, received 5,500 protest texts... Now it's time for the ruling party to respond"

"There is no way to yield more or do that"

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Park Jun-i] On the 29th, Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, regarding his statement that he would concede the chairmanship of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee to the People Power Party to proceed with negotiations for the second half of the National Assembly's organization, said, "There have been 5,500 protest messages from (Democratic Party) supporters asking why we are giving up the Legislation and Judiciary Committee," adding, "Then the People Power Party should also show a corresponding sincerity."

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Emergency Measures Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 29th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

After the 6.1 local election heads of local governments electees workshop on the same day, Park told reporters, "In fact, through various processes, we have conceded everything that could be conceded to the People Power Party. From our side, there is no way or room to concede further in the current situation," he said.

He added, "Rather, since the People Power Party, which has not conceded even this much, is in a position of infinite responsibility as the ruling party, they should respond accordingly," and emphasized, "(The Democratic Party) has set a deadline and will wait for the People Power Party's progressive stance until then. If even after that there is still no change and they stand like an iron wall, we will have no choice but to consider electing the Speaker in order to address public will, livelihood security issues, and personnel hearings."

Park also said, "Tomorrow (the 30th), we will hold a party meeting to hear opinions and listen to the party leadership, and by the day after tomorrow (July 1), we will decide our position on how to proceed with the plenary session."