Ruling Party Proposes "No Political Strife During APEC," While Opposition Points to "Tariff Negotiation Difficulties"

Jeong Cheongrae: "I Will Take the Lead... Will Refrain from Confrontational Remarks"
Opposition Monitors Tariff Negotiations Closely, Holding Meeting Ahead of Ruling Party
Jang Donghyuk Criticizes Min Jungki Special Prosecutor and Kim Yongmin of the

Ahead of this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the ruling party has expressed its hope for a "declaration of a non-partisan period and joint efforts for the success of the Republic of Korea," while the opposition party is closely monitoring the situation, citing difficulties in the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 27th. 2025.10.27 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the Supreme Council meeting of the Democratic Party of Korea held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 27th, Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, stated, "There is no division between the ruling and opposition parties when it comes to the ultimate goal of diplomacy, which is to pursue the national interest. I hope that, at least for this 'super week,' we can declare a non-partisan period and work together for the success of the Republic of Korea."

Leader Jeong cited precedents in political history where a non-partisan period was declared. He said, "In 2002, during the World Cup, Seo Cheongwon, then leader of the opposition Grand National Party, agreed to a non-partisan period. In 1998, during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) crisis, a non-partisan agreement was also reached under the initiative of the National Assembly Speaker. During the 1988 Seoul Olympics, opposition leaders such as President Kim Daejung took the lead in suspending political strife and focusing solely on the success of the Republic of Korea. I hope that such history will be repeated this week."

He added, "I will take the initiative myself. There are many things to say and many issues to address, but at least for this week, I will refrain from making partisan remarks and will only make necessary policy statements." He continued, "I earnestly ask the opposition to also demonstrate the virtue of caution and concession for the national interest and the success of the Republic of Korea."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, who presided over the Supreme Council meeting earlier than the Democratic Party, said, "As this is the first time in 20 years since the last summit was held in Busan, the People Power Party will do everything possible to ensure the success of APEC. APEC is not just a venue for summit diplomacy, but a crucial turning point that will determine the direction of Korea's economy and future amid global power competition and an unstable external economic environment."

However, he expressed a cautious stance regarding the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations. Leader Jang stated, "Not even a draft document has been completed yet, and the government has taken a step back, saying there is still a long way to go. APEC is the deadline for the tariff negotiations that the Lee Jaemyung administration itself boasted about. The announcement of an agreement must not be an empty shell; it must bring real results that benefit the national interest and people's livelihoods."

On this day, Leader Jang also addressed the controversy surrounding Han Munhyeok, deputy chief prosecutor of the Kim Keonhee special prosecutor's team (Min Junggi special prosecutor's team), who has been embroiled in controversy for having had drinks in the past with Lee Jongho, a close associate of First Lady Kim Keonhee. He said, "There is yet another reason why a special investigation into Min Junggi is necessary."

He further criticized, "Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yongmin (ruling party secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee) has reportedly called for the passage of a law to suspend trials, arguing that President Lee Jaemyung's trial should be resolved quietly and effectively. If the Democratic Party passes the trial suspension law, the Lee Jaemyung administration will be immediately suspended."

Meanwhile, regarding the KOSPI index surpassing 4,000 on this day, Leader Jeong remarked, "It feels as if the national fortune of the Republic of Korea is on the rise," and reiterated, "I hope this week will be one in which both the ruling and opposition parties unite their efforts toward the rise of Korea's national fortune."