Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized on the 21st that he will prioritize the "Super Wide Area Special Zone Law" as a key legislative agenda in the regular National Assembly.
During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, he stated, "We will support local areas to become leaders in future industries through infrastructure supply, substantial financial and tax support, and bold regulatory rationalization."
Regarding contentious issues such as the so-called "white-collar exemption," which would exclude certain professional sectors from labor regulations like the 52-hour workweek, he said, "We will create rational alternatives that do not undermine the value of labor while maintaining competitiveness through swift discussions."
In this context, the Democratic Party plans to jointly propose two versions of the Super Wide Area Special Zone Law—one applying labor regulation exemptions and one not—before deliberating on them in consultation with business and labor sectors.
On the same day, in recognition of Police Day, Kim expressed gratitude to the police. He also urged efforts to enhance investigative capabilities needed for responding to intelligent crimes and to develop effective measures against violent and sexual crimes.
He added, "The Democratic Party will also play a role in police reform to enhance professionalism and accountability in cooperation with the government’s Police Reform Committee, centered around our internal police reform promotion team."
Meanwhile, Han Byeong-do, the floor leader, commented on the early return of wartime operational control, stating, "This signifies that South Korea will take responsibility for its own security and play a leading role within the South Korea-U.S. alliance," emphasizing that the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command will remain in place even after the transfer of operational control. He noted that both self-defense and the South Korea-U.S. alliance will be strengthened together.
He further remarked, "If we understand the long and arduous history of the return of operational control, we cannot dismiss it as a 'remnant of outdated ideology,'" urging the People Power Party to cease its outdated color-coded rhetoric.
Additionally, the Democratic Party appointed former prosecutor Seo Ji-hyun as co-chair of the special committee on measures to eradicate domestic violence and stalking, following the earlier appointment of lawmaker Song Ok-joo as chair.
During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, he stated, "We will support local areas to become leaders in future industries through infrastructure supply, substantial financial and tax support, and bold regulatory rationalization."
Regarding contentious issues such as the so-called "white-collar exemption," which would exclude certain professional sectors from labor regulations like the 52-hour workweek, he said, "We will create rational alternatives that do not undermine the value of labor while maintaining competitiveness through swift discussions."
In this context, the Democratic Party plans to jointly propose two versions of the Super Wide Area Special Zone Law—one applying labor regulation exemptions and one not—before deliberating on them in consultation with business and labor sectors.
On the same day, in recognition of Police Day, Kim expressed gratitude to the police. He also urged efforts to enhance investigative capabilities needed for responding to intelligent crimes and to develop effective measures against violent and sexual crimes.
He added, "The Democratic Party will also play a role in police reform to enhance professionalism and accountability in cooperation with the government’s Police Reform Committee, centered around our internal police reform promotion team."
Meanwhile, Han Byeong-do, the floor leader, commented on the early return of wartime operational control, stating, "This signifies that South Korea will take responsibility for its own security and play a leading role within the South Korea-U.S. alliance," emphasizing that the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command will remain in place even after the transfer of operational control. He noted that both self-defense and the South Korea-U.S. alliance will be strengthened together.
He further remarked, "If we understand the long and arduous history of the return of operational control, we cannot dismiss it as a 'remnant of outdated ideology,'" urging the People Power Party to cease its outdated color-coded rhetoric.
Additionally, the Democratic Party appointed former prosecutor Seo Ji-hyun as co-chair of the special committee on measures to eradicate domestic violence and stalking, following the earlier appointment of lawmaker Song Ok-joo as chair.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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