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Kim Byung-ki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during the party’s policy meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on July 8. / Source: Yonhap News

Kim Byung-ki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), pledged on July 8 to swiftly implement the proposed 31.8 trillion won supplementary budget, emphasizing the need to take immediate action to deliver results the public can feel.

Speaking at the party’s policy meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim declared, “We will devote ourselves to economic recovery with a sense of urgency. The stability of the new administration’s policies, active fiscal stance, and export rebound are raising expectations for an economic revival.”

He noted that the KOSPI index surpassed 3,000 for the first time in three and a half years and has held above that level for the past two weeks. “Nevertheless, many citizens are still struggling daily. The damage caused by the incompetence and leadership vacuum of the Yoon Suk-yeol insurrectionist government runs deep,” he said, vowing to execute the supplementary budget measures without delay.

Kim stressed that the funds will provide hope to small business owners and breathe life into local economies. “Consumer coupons and local currency programs will help boost domestic spending, reduce living costs for low-income citizens, and increase sales for small merchants. The DPK will mobilize every available support measure in cooperation with the government for swift recovery,” he added.

Kim also welcomed an expected joint declaration between families of abductees and the city of Paju to halt the launch of anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets. “We welcome today’s announcement, which will help restore peace to the lives of residents in border areas,” he said. “Peace is economic growth. Stabilizing inter-Korean relations—one of the major Korea risks—is essential for growth. The DPK fully supports efforts to improve North-South relations and will assist through legislative means.”

Turning to former President Yoon Suk-yeol, Kim said, “It’s time for Yoon to return to prison. His detention hearing is tomorrow, and there are reports that he has pressured subordinates to give false statements favorable to him during the special counsel investigation.” He urged vigilance, stating, “We must not let our guard down until Yoon and his co-conspirators in the insurrection face judgment under the law and history.”