People Power Party Considers Strong Response Including Constitutional Petition Against Yellow Envelope Act and Tougher Commercial Act

"Yellow Envelope Act and Second Commercial Act Amendment Are 'Economic Rebellion Acts'"
Criticism of Opposition's Move on Special Prosecutor Act as 'Shifting the Focus'
Inevitable Ruling and Opposition Clash Ahead of the Plenary Session on the 27th

Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, criticized the Yellow Envelope Act (the amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act), which passed the National Assembly plenary session led by the ruling party on the 24th, as well as the upcoming second amendment to the Commercial Act, labeling them as "Economic Rebellion Acts."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on this day, Chairman Song stated, "The Democratic Party of Korea is pushing ahead with the passage of the illegal strike encouragement act and an even tougher Commercial Act, both of which are economic rebellion acts," adding, "The legislation of these two economic rebellion acts will bring about a systemic transformation with the greatest aftereffects on our economic order since the enactment of the Civil Act in 1958."

People Power Party's Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader, held a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 24th, speaking about the plenary session handling of the "Partial Amendment to the Labor Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act (Yellow Envelope Act)." Photo by Yonhap News

He continued, "Kim Yongbeom, the Policy Chief, said, 'If the concerning situation arises, we can just revise the law again then.' If this is not an intention to conduct a biological experiment on the national economy, just like the income-led growth policy during the Moon Jaein administration, then what is it?" He criticized, "It seems as if they regard the South Korean economy as nothing more than a laboratory mouse."

He went on to say, "We will review the constitutionality of these bad laws being forcibly passed and take strong additional actions," adding, "I believe we can fully consider measures such as a constitutional petition. After gathering consensus at the general assembly of lawmakers tomorrow, we will announce our response plan."

Regarding the Democratic Party's plan to push for the passage of the amendment to the Special Prosecutor Act as early as August 27, which would extend the investigation period and expand the scope of the special prosecutor's investigation into former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife, Song expressed strong opposition.

Chairman Song said, "The plenary session on the 27th was originally agreed upon by the floor leaders of both parties and the Speaker of the National Assembly to handle only non-controversial bills, as both parties have workshops scheduled for the 28th and 29th," adding, "There has been no discussion or agreement on the amendment to the Special Prosecutor Act. We strongly oppose the passage of the Special Prosecutor Act at the plenary session on the 27th."

He added, "Although it will be necessary to consult with the new party leadership, considering only the situation in the Assembly, I believe the strongest form of resistance we can anticipate is needed," and continued, "I suspect the Democratic Party is trying to divert public and media attention from the Yellow Envelope Act and the tougher Commercial Act by shifting the focus to the amendment to the Special Prosecutor Act."