Rival parties stand poles apart on S. Korea-U.S. trade deal

Meanwhile the National Assembly stands poles apart in its response to news of a trade deal between Seoul and Washington.

The ruling Democratic Party welcomed the deal calling it a rewarding result of productive protection of national interests and a tangible feat of the president's pragmatic diplomacy.

DP floor leader Kim Byung-kee said Thursday the deal would bolster the bilateral alliance as well as broader trade ties.

Meanwhile the main opposition People Power Party voiced concern that South Korea may have made excessive concessions while acknowledging that the 15-percent U.S. tariff rate was reasonable.

PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog underscored that the value of the pledged investment in and imports from the U.S. surpass the country's foreign exchange reserves.