Democratic Party of Korea floor leader Han Byung-do and newly elected People Power Party floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik held their first meeting Thursday since taking their respective posts. The two parliamentary chiefs, gathering ahead of negotiations to form the second half of the 22nd National Assembly, traded pointed remarks from the outset as each side sized up the other.
Welcoming Jeong to his office at the Assembly, Han urged both parties to move quickly on forming the new Assembly structure. "With pressing issues like the recent Middle East situation and people's livelihoods, the ruling and opposition parties need to wrap up Assembly formation as fast as possible, even if it means working through the night," Han said. "I hope we can put our heads together so the Assembly is seen by the public as one that actually delivers."
Jeong pushed back by invoking the dominant-party narrative. "It would be enough for floor leader Han of the Democratic Party — which holds a commanding majority — to make generous concessions," he said. "If one-sided dominance by the majority party continues, both sides will end up destroying each other and will be abandoned by the public."
The two sides did find common ground on one issue, agreeing to move swiftly on a parliamentary inquiry into the ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections. "Fortunately, there is no disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties on this matter," Han said. "We will get to the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and make sure this never happens again." Jeong echoed the sentiment. "It is quite unusual to agree on a parliamentary inquiry before Assembly formation is even complete," he said. "That reflects how seriously we view the situation."
After exchanging pleasantries emphasizing the need for open communication, the two leaders held a seven-minute closed-door session. Speaking to reporters afterward, Jeong said Han had agreed to his call for resolving all pending issues through dialogue, reaffirming a commitment to regular communication. The two floor leaders were scheduled to meet again Thursday afternoon under Assembly Speaker Jo Jeong-sik to continue negotiations on forming the new Assembly.
sunpine@heraldcorp.com
