Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash Over Korea-US Fact Sheet: Democrats Call It "National Interest Sheet," PPP Warns of "Massive Burden"

Both Parties Issue Statements on the Fact Sheet
Ruling Party and Government to Swiftly Pursue Special Legislation for US Investment

The Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party clashed on November 15 over the follow-up procedures at the National Assembly, offering contrasting evaluations of the "Joint Fact Sheet"-the outcome of the Korea-US customs and security negotiations.

President Lee Jae-myung is making an announcement on the final agreement of the Korea-US fact sheet at a press conference held at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

Kim Hyunjung, floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, stated in a commentary, "The fact sheet is, in itself, a 'national interest sheet,' so why is the People Power Party deliberately turning a blind eye to the real achievements they have long awaited?" She continued, "We did not expect applause, but it is regrettable to see them ignoring public sentiment and resorting to self-consolation." Kim further remarked, "Looking at the contents of the fact sheet, the government's efforts to uphold national interests without rushing stand out," adding, "Contrary to what the People Power Party wishes, public opinion has already acknowledged these achievements."

She went on to say, "If the People Power Party continues to speak against public sentiment, the people will abandon them," and declared, "Now is the time for the National Assembly to step forward. The Democratic Party will support these achievements through swift legislation and budget allocation."

In contrast, Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, argued in a commentary, "Although the fact sheet has been released, it is impossible to determine what we have actually gained from these negotiations. Instead of protecting national interests, we are left with enormous burdens and vague promises."

He asserted, "The Constitution assigns the National Assembly the duty to scrutinize such agreements on behalf of the people. The Lee Jaemyung administration's unilateral actions, which impose a fiscal burden of 10 million won per person without public consent, must never be allowed," calling for the National Assembly to ratify the results of the Korea-US negotiations.

He further emphasized, "Ignoring and bypassing the procedures stipulated by the Constitution is a clear challenge to democracy," adding, "Any negotiation outcome without parliamentary ratification is invalid."

The party-government coalition has announced plans to swiftly promote a special law to encourage investment in the United States in connection with the fact sheet.