On the 24th, Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik expressed his position regarding the criticism of the pension reform agreed upon by the ruling and opposition parties, which was labeled as a "burden on future generations." He stated that this reform is "a starting point" and urged that "instead of fostering intergenerational conflict, we should seek the direction of our community."
Woo Won-shik, Speaker of the National Assembly, Kwon Seong-dong, Floor Leader of the People Power Party (left), and Park Chan-dae, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (right), are announcing the agreement on the National Pension reform plan in the Speaker's office of the National Assembly on March 20, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
On the same day, Speaker Woo shared his stance on the controversy surrounding the pension reform through social media (SNS). Regarding the criticism that the pension reform imposes a "burden on future generations," he argued that the reform should be observed further in the future.
He said, "Considering the overall increase in the aging population and economic conditions, the pension system is an ongoing issue that requires continuous adjustments and active discussions. This agreement marks the beginning, and it suggests a direction to pursue the previously rigid pension reform discussions more flexibly and continuously."
He added, "Pension reform should not be a method that incites conflicts between generations but rather a way to find the aspirations of our community."
He also explained that related discussions could take place later within the framework of the National Assembly's Special Committee on Pension Reform. He stated, "Now, in the National Assembly, we will focus on the activities of the Special Committee on Pension Reform for structural reform to supplement these issues and move forward."
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