Nat'l Assembly kicks off regular session amid partisan tensions

South Korea's National Assembly opened its regular session on Tuesday, with partisan tensions running high as lawmakers prepare to debate the government's budget and key legislative matters. The 100-day session will run until December 9, during which time the assembly will vote on the 821 trillion-won ($595 billion) budget proposal and confirm ministers nominated by President Lee Jae Myung.

Speaker Cho Jeong-sik urged lawmakers to prioritize improving public welfare, stating that the country's economic growth, fueled by the semiconductor industry, has yet to reach the average citizen. The first three priorities for the assembly, he emphasized, are people's livelihoods. Cho also highlighted artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, youth, the climate crisis, and peace on the Korean Peninsula as critical agenda items for the nation's future.

One-year delays in legislation can create a decade-long gap, Cho warned, urging the rival parties to expedite the handling of bills related to semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Controversial bills such as the use of Yongsan Park in central Seoul for housing and judicial reform are expected to dominate discussions during the regular session.

The ruling Democratic Party (DP) and main opposition People Power Party (PPP) will present their policy speeches on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Four days of interpellation sessions will follow, with government ministry heads and key state office leaders in attendance. The confirmation hearings for six minister nominees are also anticipated to take place later in the month, adding to the potential for partisan disagreements.

The DP has committed to completing the hearings before the Chuseok holiday, which begins on September 24. Beginning October 6, parliament will conduct a three-week audit of government offices. The unicameral assembly convenes its regular session every year on September 1 for a 100-day session.