Highlights from President Lee's Policy Speech: Ruling Party Applauds, Chants "Lee Jaemyung" vs. People Power Party Boycotts in Mourning Attire

33 Rounds of Applause for the Policy Speech in the Plenary Hall
"It Feels a Bit Empty," President Lee Remarks Toward the Vacant Seats

Regarding President Lee Jaemyung's policy speech on next year's budget on the 4th, the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party showed sharply contrasting reactions. The Democratic Party enthusiastically cheered President Lee, who had just successfully concluded the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. In contrast, the People Power Party boycotted the policy speech in protest against the request for an arrest warrant for former floor leader Choo Kyungho. Although the President personally visited the National Assembly immediately after concluding the Korea-US tariff negotiations-a matter of great public interest-to emphasize the importance of formulating the new year's budget, the parliament did not present a united front in welcoming him.

President Lee Jae-myung is leaving after delivering the policy speech on the next year's government budget at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 4th. The People Power Party did not attend. November 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Before the plenary session, People Power Party lawmakers held a "Rally to Condemn the Suppression of the Opposition" in the National Assembly's Rotender Hall. Some lawmakers wore black suits, black ties, and black masks, with black ribbons inscribed with "Liberal Democracy" on their chests. As President Lee entered the main building of the National Assembly, some lawmakers shouted, "Go to trial." President Lee offered a silent bow in front of the People Power Party lawmakers holding the rally and then proceeded to the pre-meeting room.

Lawmakers from the Democratic Party, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, and others lined up in the central aisle to welcome President Lee with applause as he entered the plenary hall. President Lee shook hands with each lawmaker as he made his way to the podium. Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, who had been waiting at the entrance to the plenary hall, bowed his head in greeting to President Lee. Before beginning his policy speech, President Lee looked toward the empty seats of the People Power Party lawmakers and expressed his regret, saying, "It feels a bit empty."

Each time President Lee mentioned the outcomes of the Korea-US and Korea-China summits, the APEC meeting in Gyeongju, and the achievements of state affairs over the past five months, lawmakers responded with applause. When President Lee said, "I believe in the strength of our people. That is why I am confident," the applause grew even louder. Even after the speech ended, lawmakers lined up to see him off. With a bright expression, President Lee smiled and greeted the assembled lawmakers. Some lawmakers in the plenary hall chanted "Lee Jaemyung." Lawmakers in the plenary hall applauded a total of 33 times that day.

President Lee Jae-myung is greeting Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and others as he leaves the plenary session after delivering the policy speech on the 2026 government budget at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on November 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik stated before the policy speech, "The policy speech marks the day when we begin to come together and consider how our nation will take responsibility for the lives of the people next year," and added, "I would appreciate it if People Power Party lawmakers could attend this session despite the various difficulties."