Opposition Party Demands Halt to Alleged Parliament Bypass in $500 Billion US-Korea Tariff Deal

The People Power Party (PPP) has criticized the government for allegedly failing to seek parliamentary approval for a $500 billion US-Korea tariff agreement, demanding that the ratification process be followed. The PPP pointed to the precedent of the US-Korea defense cost-sharing agreement, which, at $1.5 billion, underwent parliamentary ratification. They emphasized that the current tariff deal could impose a significant burden on the national treasury and therefore requires parliamentary review. Kim Seok-ki, Chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, refuted the Lee Jae-myung administration's claim that the tariff agreement is an administrative pact, thus not requiring parliamentary consent.

Chairman Kim stated that "In 1999, the Constitutional Court ruled that the necessity of parliamentary ratification should be determined based on the substantive content, not merely the formal requirements." The PPP added that Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun had previously stated that matters involving financial burdens should be fully explained to and approved by the National Assembly.

A past report by the National Assembly Budget Office stated, "The scale of investment in the US could impose a financial burden on the nation and its citizens in the future, so a careful review of the conclusion of trade treaties and the process of parliamentary ratification is necessary." The PPP urged the government to adhere to proper procedures, given the tariff agreement's potential economic impact. They criticized the government for pushing ahead with the deal without sufficient consultation with the National Assembly, arguing that it infringes on the parliament's authority and disregards the voice of the people's representatives.

A PPP official said, "A tariff agreement of this magnitude, $500 billion, is a critical issue that could shake the foundations of the national economy. The government must build public consensus through consultations with the National Assembly and transparently disclose information."

The PPP warned that the government's unilateral pursuit of the agreement could lead to a serious conflict with the National Assembly. The party stated that it is exploring ways to respond to the issue within the parliament and is considering holding a national audit or a hearing if necessary. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has not issued an official statement on the PPP's claims. However, some Democratic Party lawmakers have reportedly suggested that the impact of the tariff agreement on the national economy should be carefully reviewed.