At the stairs where 1,200 opposition members gathered... "Protect small business owners, not political strife" Criticism from the major opposition and ruling parties

65 Professional Organizations Protest
Led by Rep. Choi Seung-jae of People Power Party, with Participation from Democratic Party and Sidae Jeonhwan Members

On the 28th, Choi Seung-jae, a member of the People Power Party, along with representatives from professional economic organizations, small and medium enterprises, and the food service industry, urged for "economic recovery, public safety, and improvement of labor-related systems" on the steps in front of the National Assembly main building. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Choi Seung-jae, Chairman of the Small Business Committee of the People Power Party, held a press conference in front of the National Assembly main building on the 28th and criticized the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "In these difficult times of quadruple hardships, the major opposition party is obsessed with political strife and has forgotten the reason why it was rejected by the people despite holding 180 seats."

Choi said, "The sunset deadline for the additional 8-hour weekly extended work system for workplaces with 5 to 29 employees is approaching in about two months. Small business owners and self-employed people are requesting extension discussions at the National Assembly, but the major opposition party is ignoring livelihood issues and focusing only on political strife."

Kim Tae-ho, a member of the People Power Party who attended the event, said, "There is no ruling or opposition party when it comes to reviving the economy, but it is truly heartbreaking that the reality is being distorted for political purposes." Jo Jeong-hoon, leader of the Transition Korea party, raised his voice, saying, "The essence of politics is to make the kitchens of the people abundant and warm."

Shin Sang-ho, chairman of the Federation of Professional Economic Organizations, said, "This press conference was created out of affection for the self-employed, but it is regrettable that Democratic Party lawmakers did not attend," and appealed, "Not only should labor laws be strengthened, but the lives of self-employed people must also be protected."

Min Sang-heon, chairman of the Emergency Coalition for the Food Service Industry, said, "While reducing working hours is good, the additional 8-hour extended work system that expires this year should be postponed," and added, "Since laws have been made only for workers over the past five years, now laws for small business owners should be revised."

The event was attended by 65 professional organizations and lawmakers including ▲Kim Mi-ae ▲Kim Woong ▲Kim Ye-ji ▲Kim Tae-ho ▲Shin Won-sik ▲Lee Yong-ho ▲Lee Jong-sung ▲Jo Eun-hee ▲Ji Seong-ho ▲Choi Young-hee ▲Choi Jae-hyung ▲Choi Hyung-doo ▲Han Mu-kyung ▲Heo Eun-ah ▲Jo Jeong-hoon.

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