Acting Pres. Han addresses Assembly urging swift passage of supplementary budget plan

Acting President Han Duck-soo was at the parliament earlier on this Thursday morning to seek support for the government's supplementary budget plan.

Our National Assembly correspondent Shin Ha-young covers his address to lawmakers.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged the National Assembly to swiftly pass the supplementary 12-point-2 trillion Korean won, or about 8-point-5 billion U.S. dollars, budget proposal.

In a speech to the Assembly on Thursday, Han said small business owners and vulnerable groups urgently needed support, as the global economy faces growing uncertainty due to U.S. tariff policies.

"When responding to a crisis, timing is just as important as policy. The time for government financial support to reach those in urgent need is now."

The government submitted its extra budget plan to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

It includes 2-point-2 billion dollars to protect people's lives and property from large-scale natural disasters, such as the deadly wildfires that hit the southeastern regions last month.

Another 3 billion dollars is set aside to ease trade risks and support high-tech industries, including AI.

And an additional 2-point-9 billion dollars will go toward stabilizing people's livelihoods.

Han's speech marks the first time since 1979 that an acting president has given a budget speech to the Assembly.

Han's speech drew a mixed reaction from the rival parties.

Before the speech, the Democratic Party criticized it as an attempt to raise Han's political profile, saying it shouldn't be used as a step toward a presidential run.

Han has so far maintained an ambiguous stance on whether he will run for president.

As he began speaking, DP lawmakers remained silent in protest, although there was some booing.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party applauded Han after the speech and pledged to help quickly pass the budget.

However, the rival parties clashed again when National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik openly criticized Han, bringing up his nominations for two Constitutional Court justices.

"The acting president needs to handle his duties responsibly. I'm saying this as the speaker of the National Assembly, on behalf of the people."

In response, PPP lawmakers strongly protested, while DP lawmakers applauded.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.