Song Eon-seok Delivers Congratulatory Remarks at Forum on the Role of Civil Society and the Press

People Power Party Floor Leader Song Eon-seok attended the forum 'The Role of Civil Society and the Press' held at the National Assembly Member's Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul on the 6th, and expressed his firm support for the role of the press through congratulatory remarks. He emphasized the function and responsibility that the press should fulfill as the public voice of society and stressed the importance of building cooperative relationships with civil society. In his congratulatory address, Floor Leader Song Eon-seok emphasized that "The press must pursue the truth as a watchdog of society, monitor power, and represent diverse voices." He added, "We must create a healthy public sphere through close cooperation with civil society and contribute to resolving social conflicts." Furthermore, Floor Leader Song stated, "Recently, fake news and false information are causing social confusion," and "It is important for the press to provide accurate information based on facts so that citizens can make informed judgments." This forum was organized to seek ways for civil society and the press to build mutually cooperative relationships and fulfill their social responsibilities. Participants in the forum engaged in in-depth discussions on ways to protect the socially vulnerable and contribute to fair opinion formation while ensuring freedom and independence of the press. In particular, various opinions were presented on the role and responsibility of the press in the new media environment in line with the era of digital transformation of the press.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the National Assembly Steering Committee conducted a state audit of President Lee Jae-myung's office, but it was disrupted shortly after it began. A fierce clash of opinions occurred between ruling and opposition party lawmakers during the audit process, leading to the suspension of the audit. In particular, a sharp debate continued between the ruling and opposition parties over the issue of attendance of key officials from the presidential office and the appropriateness of submitting audit data. Rep. Chae Hyun-il of the Democratic Party of Korea raised an issue with Rep. Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party's participation in the state audit of the presidential office, which intensified the conflict between the ruling and opposition parties. Rep. Chae questioned Rep. Joo's past remarks and political bias, arguing that it was difficult to expect a fair audit. In response, People Power Party lawmakers refuted Rep. Chae's claim as an unfair political attack and defended Rep. Joo's participation in the state audit. Committee Chairman Kim Byung-gi eventually declared a recess 59 minutes after the start of the audit, and the audit was temporarily suspended. Chairman Kim said, "It is difficult to continue the audit because an agreement has not been reached between the ruling and opposition parties," and "I will temporarily recess to seek an amicable solution." However, even after the recess, the differences between the ruling and opposition parties were not narrowed, and the audit could not be resumed. After the recess, a physical clash occurred between People Power Party Floor Leader Song Eon-seok and Democratic Party Rep. Lee Ki-heon as ruling and opposition lawmakers left the audit room. This was one of the main causes of the disruption of the state audit. Although the two sides' claims about the situation at the time differ, it is known that shouting and physical altercations occurred. Immediately after the incident, Floor Leader Song Eon-seok held an immediate press conference and strongly demanded an official apology from Rep. Lee Ki-heon and Chairman Kim Byung-gi.

He argued, "They must be held accountable for obstructing the state audit and undermining the authority of lawmakers." Floor Leader Song also criticized, "The actions of the Democratic Party lawmakers disregard the National Assembly," and "They have disappointed the people." In response, Rep. Lee Ki-heon also immediately held a press conference to refute Floor Leader Song Eon-seok's claims, arguing that Floor Leader Song Eon-seok had instead thrown himself at him. Rep. Lee claimed, "His actions were self-defense," and refused to apologize to Floor Leader Song Eon-seok. Rep. Lee also claimed, "People Power Party lawmakers provoked first," and "The responsibility for the situation lies with the People Power Party." Amid the chaotic situation, the Steering Committee resumed the meeting about 35 minutes after the recess. However, the conflict between the ruling and opposition parties was not resolved, and the audit did not proceed smoothly. The ruling and opposition parties blamed each other and failed to reach any agreement to normalize the audit. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik and Policy Director Kim Yong-beom attended as agency witnesses, but Presidential First Secretary Kim Hyun-ji was unable to attend as the final agreement between the ruling and opposition parties broke down. The absence of First Secretary Kim Hyun-ji drew strong opposition from the opposition party. Opposition lawmakers criticized, "The presidential office is disregarding the National Assembly," and "Secretary Kim Hyun-ji's absence is intended to obstruct the state audit." The Lee Jae-myung government and the Democratic Party are currently discussing the National Assembly's ratification process for a $350 billion investment in the United States. This is considered an important issue that could affect the future of the Korean economy. However, there are clear differences of opinion between the government, the ruling party, and the People Power Party regarding this matter. In particular, there are significant differences of opinion regarding the size and conditions of the investment and the expected economic effects. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik attended the National Assembly Steering Committee's state audit and emphasized that it is essential to transparently report to the National Assembly and gather opinions regarding the investment in the United States. He argued, "We must successfully promote investment in the United States through the cooperation of the National Assembly." In addition, Chief of Staff Kang said, "Investment in the United States is an important investment for the future of the Korean economy," and "I ask for the active cooperation of the National Assembly." The National Assembly Steering Committee plans to improve the problems revealed in the state audit of the presidential office and continue in-depth discussions on investment in the United States. The ruling and opposition parties are expected to resume negotiations as soon as possible to resolve the disruption of the state audit and work to reach an agreement on investment in the United States. The Steering Committee will hold additional discussions on related matters in the future.