Opening Remarks at the High-Level Party-Government Consultative Meeting
Policies to Benefit Workers... Supplemented by Listening to Field Opinions
Evaluating the Korea-Japan Summit as a Grand Solution and First Step of Cooperation
Kim Dae-gi, Chief of Staff to the President, mentioned on the 19th regarding the reform of the working hours system that "an extreme and impossible frame of 69 hours was imposed. The true intention was not properly conveyed."
Chief Kim made these remarks during his opening statement at the high-level ruling party-government meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Samcheong-dong that afternoon.
He also said, "It was a policy aimed at ultimately benefiting workers by expanding the unit of extended working hours," and promised, "We will listen to various opinions from the field, including MZ (born early 1980s to early 2000s) workers, non-unionized workers, and small and medium-sized enterprise workers, and work together to supplement the policy."
Chief Kim emphasized, "The domestic and international conditions are so severe that they can be called tectonic shifts. At times like this, the party, government, and the presidential office must communicate closely," adding, "In particular, we will strengthen efforts to ensure that policies promoted by each ministry undergo prior consultation with the party to filter out anticipated side effects."
Regarding the Korea-Japan summit between President Yoon Seok-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, he said, "I believe a grand solution to the forced labor issue has been reached, taking the first step toward overcoming the past and opening a new era of cooperation," and stressed, "With the increasing North Korean nuclear threat, U.S.-China hegemony conflicts, and the global supply chain crisis causing tectonic shifts in the world economy, this is an inevitable choice for our survival. It is not a choice but a necessity."
Chief Kim also stated, "Although the opposition party and related civic groups strongly oppose this, irresponsibly leaving Korea-Japan relations as they were without alternatives is not desirable for the country's future," and insisted, "Since the president made a decision for the national interest despite political burdens, we must unite our efforts to improve bilateral relations."
He urged the new leadership of the People Power Party, saying, "Although conditions are not easy, with various legislations delayed in the National Assembly, I ask that the party and government join forces to solve livelihood issues."
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