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Kim Byung-ki (center), acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, speaks during a strategy meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 17. / Source: Lee Byung-hwa

Kim Byung-ki, acting chief and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is signaling a more conciliatory and cooperative approach with the opposition, setting himself apart from the more combative tone previously seen in inter-party relations. As the ruling party seeks to push forward its policy agenda, Kim has emphasized the importance of “communication without negativity.”

On June 17, Kim met with Song Eon-seok, the newly appointed floor leader of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), to congratulate him on his election. "I sincerely congratulate you on your election," Kim said. "During our call yesterday, we shared thoughts and well wishes. As the leader of the opposition, your role comes with great responsibility. Your comment in your acceptance speech that ‘regression is unacceptable’ is something today’s politics must remember."

Kim continued, “Even with a change in administration, politics must remain at the forefront of the people’s lives. I will do my part to listen and communicate. Since Rep. Song is well-versed in policy, I believe he understands the weight of national governance better than most. Politics that stalls is politics that fails. The DPK will continue to act and deliver. Let’s meet regularly and produce results.”

Though no specific policy discussions took place in what was largely a courtesy meeting, Kim also met separately with PPP emergency committee chair Kim Yong-tae later that day. There, he again stressed cooperation, stating, “In the face of public suffering, there is no ruling or opposition party.”

Kim’s approach sharply contrasts with the rhetoric of The Rebuilding Korea Party, which harshly criticized Song’s election by labeling the PPP a "pro-Yoon party in decline."

Observers say Kim’s softer tone signals a strategic shift in the DPK’s leadership dynamics, as he departs from the more combative Lee Jae-myung–Park Chan-dae structure. According to DPK spokesperson Kim Hyun-jung, “Floor leader Kim values communication—not just within our party but also with the opposition. He has agreed to hold weekly meetings with the PPP.”

Still, prospects for genuine cooperation remain uncertain. With both ruling and opposition floor leaders now aligned with key political figures—Kim with President Lee Jae-myung and Song broadly identified as part of the pro-Yoon bloc—analysts expect friction to persist. Song received overwhelming support from lawmakers in the Yeongnam region, and while his factional ties appear less overt, he is still viewed as part of the broader pro-Yoon camp. Meanwhile, Kim has previously declared that "ending the era of insurrection" is essential to the success of the Lee administration.

With thorny issues looming, including the selection of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chair, a second supplementary budget, and various contentious reform bills, tensions between the two camps are likely to intensify in the weeks ahead.