Korean Political Leaders Meet at National Assembly: Will Shared Election Pledges Finally Move Forward?

A New Beginning for Bipartisan Dialogue in Korea

Did you know that South Korea’s major parties just had a crucial meeting at the National Assembly? On July 7, 2025, Jin Sung-joon of the Democratic Party and Kim Jung-jae of the People Power Party finally met face-to-face after their initial meeting was postponed due to a breakdown in supplementary budget negotiations. This gathering wasn’t just a formality—it was a signal that both sides might be ready to set aside differences and work on issues that matter to ordinary citizens, especially those shared pledges made during the last presidential election.
What’s at stake? The meeting comes after weeks of political tension, as both parties struggled to agree on how to handle the government’s emergency budget proposal. The initial failure to reach consensus left many Koreans frustrated, fueling concerns about the nation’s ability to respond to economic and social challenges. But with this meeting, there’s renewed hope for meaningful cooperation.

How the Supplementary Budget Stalemate Shaped the Meeting

The supplementary budget—known as ‘추경안’ in Korean—was a hot-button issue leading up to this meeting. The government proposed a 12 trillion won package aimed at disaster relief and economic support, but the opposition criticized it as insufficient, demanding at least 15 trillion won and more robust support for small businesses and vulnerable groups. The stalemate led to a rare scenario: the Democratic Party pushed to pass the budget unilaterally, while the People Power Party accused them of bypassing proper negotiation.
Bloggers and commentators on platforms like Naver and Tistory highlighted public frustration, with some saying that politicians seemed more interested in scoring points than solving real problems. Community reactions on TheQoo and FM Korea were mixed—some users supported the Democratic Party’s urgency, while others worried about the lack of consensus and potential long-term consequences.

Shared Election Promises: More Than Just Words?

One of the main goals of the policy chiefs’ meeting was to revisit the shared pledges each party made during the last presidential election. Both sides had promised action on issues like semiconductor industry support, AI investment, and relief for small business owners. According to party sources, the Democratic Party identified about 200 overlapping pledges, while the People Power Party counted 110. The plan? To form a ‘Common Livelihood Pledge Council’—a bipartisan working group tasked with sorting through these promises and advancing legislation where possible.
This move was widely covered in the media and discussed in detail by bloggers. Some praised the idea as a step toward practical politics, while others were skeptical, recalling past instances where similar councils failed to deliver concrete results. On Instiz and PGR21, users debated whether this time would be any different, with a few optimistic voices hoping that the urgency of current economic challenges might force real progress.

Inside the National Assembly: What Actually Happened?

During the meeting, both Jin Sung-joon and Kim Jung-jae emphasized the need for frequent communication and practical cooperation. They agreed to start with the easiest, least controversial pledges—such as support for high-tech industries and disaster relief—before tackling more divisive issues like labor reform or regional development. Behind closed doors, aides began the tedious process of comparing each party’s list of pledges and identifying areas for immediate action.
Press photos and video clips from the meeting circulated widely on news sites and social media, showing the two leaders shaking hands and exchanging polite but cautious remarks. On Daum and Nate, journalists noted that while the mood was cordial, both sides remained wary, aware that any misstep could quickly reignite partisan conflict.

Community Voices: How Do Koreans Feel About All This?

Online communities were quick to react to news of the meeting. On DC Inside and FM Korea, some users expressed relief that dialogue was happening at all, given the recent gridlock. Others were more cynical, posting memes about ‘politicians pretending to cooperate’ and questioning whether any real change would result. On Naver blogs, writers analyzed the potential impact of the new council, with several posts arguing that only sustained, transparent effort would convince the public that politicians are serious this time.
Positive comments tended to focus on the possibility of faster legislative action on urgent issues, while negative ones highlighted skepticism about politicians’ motives and the risk of superficial agreements. The overall sentiment was cautiously hopeful—but with a strong undercurrent of ‘wait and see’.

Why International Readers Should Care: The Cultural and Political Context

For foreign readers, it’s important to understand the cultural significance of bipartisan cooperation in Korea. The country’s political landscape is often sharply divided, and legislative gridlock is a recurring problem. When party leaders agree to work together—especially on issues like economic recovery, disaster response, and technological innovation—it’s seen as a rare and valuable opportunity.
Overseas fans of Korean culture might also note how these political developments affect everyday life. For example, policies on AI and semiconductors have direct implications for Korea’s global tech industry, while support for small businesses influences everything from K-pop merchandise shops to local cafes. Understanding the nuances of these political negotiations can offer deeper insight into the forces shaping contemporary Korean society.

Looking Ahead: Will This Cooperation Last?

As the new ‘Common Livelihood Pledge Council’ gets to work, all eyes are on the National Assembly. Will the parties keep their promises and deliver real results, or will old habits of confrontation return? The next few months will be critical, as the council sorts through hundreds of pledges and tries to turn campaign rhetoric into law.
Bloggers and news outlets alike are watching closely, with many promising to hold politicians accountable for their actions. For now, the mood is one of cautious optimism—tempered by the knowledge that in Korean politics, nothing is ever certain until the ink is dry on the final bill.