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Kim Byung-ki, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, delivers opening remarks during a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on October 1. / Source: Byung-hwa Lee

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is accelerating its focus on economic and livelihood issues ahead of the Chuseok holiday, highlighting its role as the ruling party responsible for citizens’ daily lives. The party has called for the passage of more than 70 livelihood-related bills.

According to political sources on October 1, the DPK had originally planned to pursue both contentious legislation—such as the Government Organization Act revision and the establishment of the Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission—alongside livelihood bills. However, the party stepped back after the People Power Party (PPP) raised the possibility of staging a prolonged filibuster. While Democrats considered convening a plenary session on October 2, leaders acknowledged that passing the bills within the timeframe would be difficult.

DP floor spokesperson Moon Geum-joo told reporters after a policy coordination meeting that the party had asked the PPP to prioritize at least 10 urgent bills but admitted, “It would be physically difficult to convene the plenary session on October 2.” He added that the DPK leadership is pressing for the National Assembly to hold a plenary session even during the upcoming parliamentary audit to process key livelihood legislation.

The party leadership has put its “livelihood first” message front and center. Floor leader Kim Byung-ki proposed reviving the “Livelihood Economy Council” with the PPP. “We are always ready to talk if it’s about livelihood and economic issues,” Kim said. “Let’s discuss urgent matters directly affecting people’s lives—such as disaster recovery and price stability—and swiftly turn the solutions into action.”

The Livelihood Economy Council was originally agreed upon following President Lee Jae-myung’s meeting with party leaders in September, but it has been dormant amid worsening partisan conflict.

As part of its economic relief push, the DPK is also promoting the government’s recent credit recovery measures. Deputy floor leader Moon Jin-seok praised the initiative, saying, “Ahead of Chuseok, the Lee administration made a major decision to protect people’s livelihoods and revive the economy.” Since September 30, the Financial Services Commission has allowed individuals and small business owners with debts under 50 million won who fully repaid overdue loans incurred between January 2020 and August 2025 to have their delinquency records erased.

Observers note that the DPK’s latest shift comes as it has dialed back hardline tactics, such as pressure for Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s resignation, in order to emphasize a more moderate, livelihood-centered image. Analysts suggest the strategy is aimed at seizing the political initiative after the Chuseok holiday. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong noted, “If the party can deliver results through policy and legislation, it could help boost the administration’s momentum after Chuseok, which makes securing public sentiment during the holiday all the more crucial.”