Yoon Supports Labor Director System... People Power Party Rushes Internal Coordination

Initially Criticizing 'Lee Jae-myung's Ha-myeong Law'
Shifts to Substantive Discussion
Adjusting Pace Amid Economic Sector Backlash Concerns

Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, attended the welcoming ceremony for former lawmaker Yoon Young-il, who joined the New Era Preparation Committee, held on the 16th at the New Era Preparation Committee Chairman's Office of the People Power Party in Yeouido, Seoul, and delivered a welcoming speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, expressed support for the introduction of the public sector labor director system, prompting the party, which had initially opposed the system, to quickly begin internal coordination. Having confirmed that Yoon's stance is firm, the party plans to start policy discussions. However, it is expected to adjust the pace due to concerns about backlash from the business community.

Ryu Seong-geol, the opposition party whip of the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee, said in a phone interview on the 16th, "We fully understand the candidate's statements as they are. Necessary follow-up actions should be taken," but added, "Various reviews need to be conducted going forward." The day before, Yoon visited the Korean Federation of Workers' Unions and stated, "It must be recognized that workers are a dignified main actor on the board of directors," expressing support for the introduction of the labor director system. After the meeting, Kim Byung-min, spokesperson for the election campaign committee, told reporters, "Although there were voices within the party that full introduction of the public institution labor director system would be somewhat difficult, not only Yoon but also the party has decided to accept it positively," indicating a policy shift.

Although this was the first time Yoon expressed an opinion on the introduction of the labor director system, it has become a significant burden for the People Power Party, which had clearly opposed it, to make a 180-degree policy turnaround. On the 8th, at the Planning and Finance Committee meeting convened solely by the Democratic Party of Korea, the People Power Party strongly criticized the public sector labor director system bill as "a Lee Jae-myung-style command law," calling it "a disgrace to all members of the National Assembly and something Democratic Party members should be ashamed of."

However, even if the People Power Party cooperates with the introduction of the labor director system, it is expected to derive detailed plans aligned with the party's stance through internal discussions. The party is considering adjusting the system within the current legal framework without the comprehensive legislation advocated by the Democratic Party. At the same time, it may delay the process citing reasons such as reflecting the business community's position. After the last plenary meeting, the Democratic Party requested to refer the matter to the agenda adjustment committee, and discussions have been temporarily suspended. The agenda adjustment committee consists of three members from the ruling party and three from the opposition; the ruling party has already submitted its list, but the opposition has yet to do so.

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