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Prime Minister Kim Min-seok (center), acting Democratic Party leader and floor leader Kim Byung-ki (right), and Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik pose for a photo at the first high-level policy meeting under the Lee Jae-myung administration at the prime minister’s residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on July 6. / Photo by Park Sung-il

The first high-level policy meeting between the government and ruling party under President Lee Jae-myung was held on July 6, with discussions focused on the swift execution of a 31.8 trillion-won extra budget, inflation countermeasures, and enhanced public-private cooperation for summer disaster preparedness.

Attention is particularly focused on whether the distribution of consumer coupons will be moved up before the start of peak vacation season, as the Democratic Party urged faster action than the originally scheduled July 21 rollout.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, presiding over the meeting at his official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, stated, “The ruling party, government, and presidential office are united as one,” adding that they share a “philosophy of party and popular sovereignty, a joint mission to overcome the national crisis, and a vision of economic recovery and growth.”

“There was no transition team, and we had no time to rehearse. Cabinet formation is only just beginning, but national survival leaves no alternative to a successful administration,” Kim said. “I hope the ruling bloc will work as one to devote everything to saving the government and the people.”

Kim Byung-ki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, stressed the importance of timely economic relief: “Consumer coupons must be issued before the full vacation season begins to stimulate spending and support incomes. Once again, we call for swift implementation.”

He also emphasized the urgency of stabilizing prices: “Food prices are weighing heavily on the public. Please closely monitor inflation trends and respond quickly with effective countermeasures.”

Kim added that summer weather policies—such as monsoon and heatwave responses—must be thoroughly prepared and executed, highlighting the need for support to vulnerable low-income groups and the protection of outdoor and mobile workers through sufficient rest time and oversight from relevant agencies.

Attendees at the meeting included Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, Chief Secretary for Economic Growth Ha Joon-kyung, and Cabinet Office Minister Yoon Chang-ryeol. Kang noted, “It’s been over a month since the new administration launched, and now is the time to show results,” calling on the ruling party to help expedite confirmation hearings for Cabinet nominees.