Tensions rise in Assembly as extraordinary session nears end despite Pres. Lee's call for unity

Despite a presidential urge for unity the South Korean parliament remains polarized even as it nears the end of its extraordinary session.

Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young starts us off.

"National unity" is a key pledge that President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized since his candidacy.

After becoming president, he extended that message to the rival parties in the National Assembly.

During his inauguration, President Lee caught attention by wearing a red, white and blue tie, symbolizing his message of unity across political affiliations.

Lee also had lunch with Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties, demonstrating his commitment to national unity from the very first day of his term.

"I hope we can make compromises and reach agreements on policies that improve people's lives. I want politics to move away from hostility and toward respectful dialogue and healthy competition."

However, the rival parties remain poles apart as the June extraordinary session nears its end.

Back in power after three years, the ruling Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 22nd National Assembly, has accelerated its efforts to pass contentious bills previously vetoed by the former administration.

The DP unilaterally passed three special investigation bills, including one into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law and related insurrection charges.

The rival parties also clashed over four-term lawmaker Kim Min-seok's qualifications to serve as Prime Minister.

The main opposition People Power Party has refused to adopt the confirmation hearing report, citing Kim's failure to submit key documents, mainly about his wealth and family, while the DP plans to push for an Assembly vote to approve him by July 4.

There is also a bipartisan standoff over the new administration's supplementary budget.

The DP is aiming to pass it by Thursday, while the PPP is raising concerns about fiscal soundness and fairness.

Despite the ongoing tensions, the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee approved a 13-point-2 trillion Korean won, or about 9-point-7 billion U.S. dollars, supplementary budget on Tuesday to fund consumption vouchers, with both parties agreeing to the plan.

Having consistently emphasized national unity, all eyes are on how President Lee and the Assembly will navigate the ongoing standoff between the rival parties and work toward bipartisan cooperation.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.