DP to push for more reforms as July extraordinary session kicks off

Tensions are running high at the National Assembly as lawmakers reconvene for a new round of legislative activity — but also hinting at possible cooperation.

Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details.

The July extraordinary session of the National Assembly kicked off on Monday, with the ruling and opposition parties entering the term sharply divided following last week's passage of the highly contentious extra budget bill.

The ruling Democratic Party is pushing to pass a number of bills that were previously vetoed by the former administration — including broadcasting reform legislation and a revision to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, known as the "yellow envelope bill."

The broadcasting bills aim to reduce political influence over public broadcasters by limiting the number of board members appointed by political parties, while the "yellow envelope bill" seeks to broaden the definition of "employer" and restrict damage claims against labor unions.

Efforts to reform the prosecution are also picking up pace.

"We promise to swiftly implement the complete separation of investigation and indictment, ensure effective checks on prosecutorial power, and institutionalize political neutrality."

Meanwhile, the opposition People Power Party is continuing its efforts to counter the DP's legislative dominance.

PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog declared that the party would use upcoming confirmation hearings for ministerial nominees as an opportunity to push back against what the party sees as unilateral rule.

"The People Power Party, together with the people, will examine the qualifications and moral integrity of ministerial nominees riddled with criminal suspicions on a microscopic level, in order to block the arrogant and one-sided governance of the Lee Jae Myung administration."

Although ministerial nominees do not require a parliamentary vote for appointment, confirmation hearings serve as a key opportunity for the opposition party to vet and challenge the president's personnel decisions.

Despite this heightened tension, both parties are making cautious moves toward cooperation.

On the first day of the session, the policy chiefs of both parties formed a joint consultative body — aimed at fast-tracking livelihood-related bills and coordinating shared campaign pledges made during the recent presidential election.

Both sides acknowledged their differences on key policy matters but agreed on the need for discussion, not confrontation.

As the session continues, the coming weeks will test whether bipartisan dialogue can truly take root.

Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.