Joo Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, emphasized on September 1, "Let us focus solely on the people and their livelihoods. Even if there are differences, let us take steps back for the sake of the public."
During the opening ceremony of the 2026 Regular National Assembly, he stated, "The primary task of this session is to narrow the gap between the national report card and the household ledger, ensuring that the warmth of growth is felt by all."
He noted that last year, South Korea's exports surpassed $700 billion for the first time, and the trade surplus has continued for 18 months. However, he acknowledged that many citizens still find their living conditions challenging. He identified the top three priorities for the National Assembly as the well-being of the public, reiterating the goal of creating a happy nation for every individual.
Joo stated, "To achieve a happy nation, we need two wheels: future and integration. No matter how good the wheels are, they cannot move forward without a proper axle, which is the National Assembly." He urged that the primary duty of the legislature is to improve the lives of citizens through relevant legislation while also addressing the shadows cast by change. He called for the National Assembly and the government to respond to the public's expectations for effective governance.
He outlined four key agendas for the future: artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology, youth, climate crisis, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. For integration, he identified four agendas: basic social security, balanced development, social dialogue, and national unity. He proposed that this Regular National Assembly should gather wisdom for future and integration to lead the way in creating a happy nation for the people.
Joo concluded, "The future of the nation and the lives of the people depend on this Regular National Assembly. Let us work towards a country where politics prepares for the citizens' tomorrow, rather than a nation where the public worries about politics."
Meanwhile, this Regular National Assembly commenced its 100-day schedule on this day and will run until December 9. A plenary session is scheduled for September 3, with speeches from party leaders on September 7 and 8, and government questioning set for September 9-11 and 14. The National Assembly will also review the government budget proposal for the next year during this session.
During the opening ceremony of the 2026 Regular National Assembly, he stated, "The primary task of this session is to narrow the gap between the national report card and the household ledger, ensuring that the warmth of growth is felt by all."
He noted that last year, South Korea's exports surpassed $700 billion for the first time, and the trade surplus has continued for 18 months. However, he acknowledged that many citizens still find their living conditions challenging. He identified the top three priorities for the National Assembly as the well-being of the public, reiterating the goal of creating a happy nation for every individual.
Joo stated, "To achieve a happy nation, we need two wheels: future and integration. No matter how good the wheels are, they cannot move forward without a proper axle, which is the National Assembly." He urged that the primary duty of the legislature is to improve the lives of citizens through relevant legislation while also addressing the shadows cast by change. He called for the National Assembly and the government to respond to the public's expectations for effective governance.
He outlined four key agendas for the future: artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology, youth, climate crisis, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. For integration, he identified four agendas: basic social security, balanced development, social dialogue, and national unity. He proposed that this Regular National Assembly should gather wisdom for future and integration to lead the way in creating a happy nation for the people.
Joo concluded, "The future of the nation and the lives of the people depend on this Regular National Assembly. Let us work towards a country where politics prepares for the citizens' tomorrow, rather than a nation where the public worries about politics."
Meanwhile, this Regular National Assembly commenced its 100-day schedule on this day and will run until December 9. A plenary session is scheduled for September 3, with speeches from party leaders on September 7 and 8, and government questioning set for September 9-11 and 14. The National Assembly will also review the government budget proposal for the next year during this session.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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