Special Law or Parliamentary Ratification?... Ruling and Opposition Clash Over Follow-up Procedures After Customs Negotiations

Democratic Party Stresses Speedy Process
People Power Party Calls for Parliamentary Review

Following the conclusion of the Korea-US customs negotiations, discussions on subsequent measures in the National Assembly are gaining momentum. The Democratic Party of Korea is considering not only the parliamentary ratification process but also the enactment of a special law, while the People Power Party maintains that the ratification process is absolutely necessary, continuing the standoff between the two parties.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated at the Supreme Council meeting on the 30th, "Once the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit concludes, it will be the National Assembly's turn," adding, "We will ensure that the customs agreement is promptly applied by immediately going through the parliamentary ratification process." He also called for the full support of the opposition party.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 31st. 2025.10.31 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

According to Article 60, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution, "The National Assembly has the right to consent to the conclusion and ratification of treaties that impose significant financial burdens on the people." For parliamentary ratification to pass, a majority of all members must be present, and a majority of those present must vote in favor.

However, as the Democratic Party finds it difficult to wait indefinitely for parliamentary ratification, it is expected to pursue a two-track strategy by introducing a special law. This is because a speedy process is necessary to prepare the detailed measures required by the agreement. The benefits to export industries can be maximized only if the results of the Korea-US customs negotiations are applied immediately. Kim Byungki, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party, stated, "The government is expected to soon submit a special law on investment in the United States to the National Assembly," adding, "We will work closely with the government to swiftly revise laws and systems." If the government proposal is submitted next month and processed by the National Assembly, retroactive application could begin on November 1.

Kim Doeup, Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is speaking at the National Assembly's National Audit Countermeasures Meeting held on the 31st. October 31, 2025 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The People Power Party considers the customs negotiations to be subject to parliamentary ratification. Since the agreement imposes a significant financial burden on the public, it argues that the ratification process stipulated in Article 60, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution must be followed. Kim Geon, a member of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee from the People Power Party, said in a phone interview, "During the recent interpellation session, the government responded positively to the question of whether it would seek parliamentary consent after the negotiations."

The party believes that parliamentary review should take precedence, as the required follow-up procedures may differ depending on the form and content of the agreement. The necessary procedures also differ depending on whether it is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) without legal binding force. Kim Doeup, Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, said at the National Audit Countermeasures Meeting on this day, "If the government hides unfavorable terms and focuses solely on promoting achievements, it could lead to a complex crisis," urging, "Even now, the agreement should be made public."

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