Jeong Cheongrae Highlights "Settling the Legacy of Rebellion" and "Reform" in First National Assembly Negotiation Group Speech

"Promoting Three Major Reforms: Prosecution, Judiciary, and Media"
"Guaranteeing a Basic Standard of Living for All Citizens"

Jeong Cheongrae, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, pledged during his negotiation group representative speech at the National Assembly on September 9 that the Democratic Party would focus all of its efforts on the growth policies of the Lee Jaemyung administration, represented by the acronym ABCDEF, to truly revive the Korean economy. He highlighted key themes such as 'settling the legacy of rebellion,' 'three major reforms (prosecution, judiciary, and media),' and 'restoring livelihoods.'

Jeong Cheongrae, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a negotiation group representative speech at the National Assembly plenary session on the 9th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

During his speech at the National Assembly plenary session in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of September 9, Jeong stated, "Let us open an era of popular sovereignty together with the Lee Jaemyung administration."

He added, "We will lead the era of advanced technology symbolized by artificial intelligence (AI), and build a fundamental society to prepare for a new super-scientific civilization. From people's livelihoods to public safety, from growth strategies suited to the era of popular sovereignty to diplomacy for national interests and peace on the Korean Peninsula, we will usher in an era of happiness for the people through public participation."

The ABCDEF growth policy of the Lee Jaemyung administration can be summarized as follows: fostering AI-centered high-tech industries, fostering the bio industry, supporting the cultural content industry, strengthening national defense and expanding the defense industry, promoting eco-friendly energy industries, and advancing and revitalizing the manufacturing sector.

Regarding the 'Livelihood Economy Council,' which was agreed upon by the ruling and opposition parties during a meeting with President Lee Jaemyung the previous day, Jeong emphasized, "It must not be a mere formality based on showmanship, but a council that produces tangible results, grounded in the spirit of practical action. The Democratic Party will take the lead with confidence."

He also stressed, "All citizens must be guaranteed a basic standard of living without discrimination in various fields such as income, housing, healthcare, welfare, energy, and communication. Enhancing the actual income and quality of life for the people is the essence of a fundamental society, the spirit of the Constitution, and the spirit of our times."

To this end, he promised to push for livelihood and economy-related legislation, including amendments to the Commercial Building Lease Protection Act to prevent arbitrary rent increases, amendments to the Banking Act to prevent excessive additional interest rate calculations by banks, and amendments to the Franchise Business Act to strengthen the bargaining power of franchise business owners.

Having declared 'ending rebellion' as his first priority upon taking office as party leader, Jeong addressed the People Power Party, warning, "If you fail to sever ties with the forces of rebellion, you may become subject to a constitutional review for party dissolution. Keep this in mind."

Jeong stated, "Settling the legacy of rebellion is the spirit of our era. The unresolved past does not only trouble progressives, but also tempts moral conservatives to become corrupt. Ultimately, an unsettled past incites conservatives to support emergency martial law rebellion and align with the far right." He added, "A complete settlement of the legacy of rebellion will provide an opportunity for conservatives to restore true conservatism and achieve a moral revival."

In response, members of the People Power Party in the plenary session jeered and shouted. Some called Jeong a "terrorist," while others protested that his words were too harsh. Some People Power Party lawmakers even left the session in protest of Jeong's remarks.

Jeong emphasized that "a thorough investigation into the rebellion and punishment of those responsible is the starting point," and called for the swift passage of amendments to the three special prosecutor laws. He said, "We will amend the Military Service Act so that the spirit of soldiers who resisted illegal orders can live on." He continued, "We will prevent the distortion of the spirit of independence by amending the Independence Hall Act, and remember the victims of the democratization movement by enacting the Democratic Meritorious Persons Act."

He also reaffirmed his commitment to prosecution, judicial, and media reforms. In particular, he said, "Increasing the number of Supreme Court justices is not something to oppose. The National Assembly seeks to ease the excessive workload that prevents justices from even fully reading investigation records." As part of media reform, he also pledged to pass the Fake Information Eradication Act and the Media Arbitration and Damage Relief Act.