Democratic Party Urges Han Dong-hoon Again for 'Representative Talks'... "Must Correct Government Disorder"

"Let's Discuss Kim Gun-hee Special Prosecutor Law, Commercial Act Amendments, and Ruling-Opposition Parliamentary Talks"
Opposition to Prepare Follow-up Measures After Abolishing Financial Investment Income Tax

The Democratic Party of Korea once again urged Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, to hold a meeting between the heads of the ruling and opposition parties. Including the proposal directly made by Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, this marks the third consecutive week of urging to "meet."

On the afternoon of the 4th, Cho Seung-rae, the chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party, met with reporters after a high-level strategy meeting at the National Assembly and stated, "We once again urge Leader Han to hold a leaders' meeting," adding, "The heads of the ruling and opposition parties must meet to normalize politics and rectify the current government dysfunction." He continued, "Let's meet to discuss the passage of the Kim Geon-hee special prosecutor law, follow-up measures on the financial investment income tax (Geumtu tax), and the consultative body involving the ruling party, opposition party, medical community, and government (Yeoya-uijeong)," and said, "Regarding the consultative body, the (Democratic Party’s) Special Committee on Medical Crisis will assess the proposal from the People Power Party and take appropriate action." He added, "Today, Leader Han also mentioned the president’s apology and matters related to Mrs. Kim Geon-hee," emphasizing, "The public still believes that Leader Han’s solutions are insufficient, so further discussion is necessary."

Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, and Jaemyung Lee, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, are having a conversation at the Central Forum held on the 23rd at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

The Democratic Party has decided to form a 'Stock Market Revitalization Task Force' to prepare measures for the advancement of the capital market. This is a follow-up measure related to the stock market following the announcement earlier that day to abolish the Geumtu tax. On the same day, Lee Jae-myung stated, "In principle, even if it involves pain, it is right to enforce the Geumtu tax," but agreed to abolish the tax due to the difficulties faced by the domestic stock market. Cho, the chief spokesperson, explained, "We will devise and present various policy measures to revitalize the Korean stock market, including amendments to the Commercial Act and the Capital Market Act."

The People Power Party claimed that they would negotiate with the opposition to pass the bill abolishing the Geumtu tax at the plenary session of the National Assembly scheduled for November. In response, Cho said, "The Geumtu tax cannot be handled separately," adding, "Because it is included in the Income Tax Act and virtual assets, it is not a matter that can be dealt with on the 14th or 28th." He further added, "It will be resolved while processing supplementary budget bills."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is expected to continue holding outdoor rallies in various locations following the one held near Seoul Station last weekend. Cho said, "Originally, we planned to hold a regional rally in Daejeon on the 9th, but it may be changed to Seoul," adding, "It was proposed by civil society groups such as the National Emergency Situation Conference." He noted, "Whether it is condemnation, resignation, stepping down, or impeachment, various slogans will emerge, so it is unlikely to unite under one banner." Party leadership is also expected to attend these events.