Song Young-gil and Lee Jun-seok "Consensus on Nationwide Disaster Relief Fund Agreement"

"Let's Join the TV Debate Together"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, agreed on the 12th to provide nationwide disaster relief funds.

After their dinner meeting that day, Senior Spokesperson Ko Yong-jin of the Democratic Party and Senior Spokesperson Hwang Bo-seung-hee of the People Power Party announced this agreement. The timing of the payment will be decided later after reviewing the quarantine situation.

Although the two leaders reached a consensus on the disaster relief funds, internal party conflicts are expected. Senior Spokesperson Ko said, "There will be further discussions tomorrow centered on the consensus between the two party leaders." Senior Spokesperson Hwang also explained, "Basically, the issue of securing additional funding needs to be somewhat supported," adding, "I expect that the agreed matters will be steadily implemented." Especially for the People Power Party, which has advocated for selective support, internal opposition is anticipated. Senior Spokesperson Hwang said, "Therefore, I understand that they also agreed to explore ways to provide substantial support to small business owners who have suffered more damage."

The two party leaders agreed on the disaster relief funds along with ▲prompt activation of the ruling-opposition consultative body ▲improvement of overseas voting methods ▲revision of the mixed-member proportional representation election law ▲joint appearances in TV debates.

After the dinner, Leader Song said, "We shared a consensus to show the public a new image of the ruling and opposition parties," adding, "I hope the warm meeting between the party leaders will be perceived as a positive and hopeful message."

Leader Lee also said, "There were more areas of agreement than I expected," and added, "Although we are competitors, we will narrow the gap as much as possible and move forward hand in hand."

Leader Song gave Leader Lee a copy of his book, Rule the Rules, which he wrote during his tenure as mayor of Incheon.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.