The Democratic Party of Korea said on April 10 it will concentrate party resources on the rapid implementation of the 26.2 trillion KRW (about $19.65 billion) supplementary budget that passed the National Assembly plenary session.
Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae posted on Facebook immediately after the bill passed, saying he was “very pleased” and that, for once, the National Assembly had “done its duty.”
Jeong said the emergency supplementary budget will actively compensate citizens suffering from high oil prices, a weak currency and elevated inflation. He added, “I hope this serves as a small reward for the people who are actively participating in energy-saving measures.”
Floor leader Han Byung-do also wrote on Facebook that, despite fierce debate, lawmakers reached a shared understanding that in a crisis they must unite for the national interest, which made bipartisan approval possible. He thanked People Power Floor Leader Song Eon-seok for responding with cross-party cooperation and expressed sincere appreciation to the members of the Budget and Accounts Committee and other standing committees for completing the review under tight deadlines.
Han warned it is not yet time to relax. “The storm in the Middle East is still ongoing,” he said, adding that the party will listen to voices on the ground and design measures to more robustly protect vulnerable groups, in line with President Lee Jae-myung’s principle of strengthening protections during crises.
Budget committee chair Rep. Jin Seong-jun urged on Facebook that because this extraordinary supplementary budget was passed in extraordinary times, the government must execute it swiftly so citizens feel its impact immediately. He said the Democratic Party will act as one team with the government to help the public weather the Middle East crisis and safeguard livelihoods.
Policy chief Han Jeong-ae thanked the opposition for bipartisan cooperation to ease the economic shock and burden on livelihoods caused by the Middle East war, and said the party will develop medium- and long-term responses to turn the crisis into an opportunity.
Secretary General Cho Seung-rae said on Facebook that, given how difficult the situation is for everyone, he will closely oversee the execution process so the supplementary budget becomes a practical catalyst for stabilizing livelihoods and promoting economic recovery.
Floor spokesperson Baek Seung-ah said in a written briefing that the outcome—achieved through bipartisan cooperation beyond partisan conflict—marks a meaningful turning point in crisis response. “We must not miss the golden time to maximize the budget’s effect. Now is the time for execution,” she said.
She added that the party will work closely with the government to ensure the funds support households and industry, assist small merchants in traditional markets and neighborhood shopping districts, and serve as a catalyst for broader regional economic recovery.
At the plenary session held at 10:10 p.m., lawmakers approved the supplementary budget with 214 votes in favor out of 244 members present (11 opposed, 19 abstained).
