During APEC, Presidential Office Proposes "Cessation of Political Strife"... How Will the Opposition Respond?

With the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit set to be held in Gyeongju, the ruling Democratic Party's proposal to suspend political strife during the APEC period is drawing attention from the political sphere. On October 27th, Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae proposed that the ruling and opposition parties declare a 'no-politics week' for the successful hosting of the 2025 Gyeongju APEC summit, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation. Representative Chung argued that as the APEC summit is an important event directly related to South Korea's national interests, the ruling and opposition parties should put aside political differences and join forces at the national level. In particular, he added that all capabilities should be focused on enhancing South Korea's international standing and strengthening economic cooperation during the APEC summit. However, the opposition People Power Party is taking a cautious stance on this proposal, and it remains to be seen whether a political agreement can be reached. People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seok expressed a critical stance on Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae's proposal for a 'no-politics week during the APEC period,' questioning the ruling party's sincerity. Representative Song pointed out, "If the ruling party truly wants the successful hosting of the APEC summit, it must first stop its dictatorial behavior in state affairs." He also emphasized the need to strengthen communication and cooperation with the opposition party and to show an attitude of listening to the voices of the people. The People Power Party stated that it would actively support the necessary cooperation for the successful hosting of the APEC summit, but would maintain a critical stance on the ruling party's unilateral claims. Meanwhile, on October 28th, Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-gi emphasized that the Gyeongju APEC summit would be a major watershed moment for the global economic order and security on the Korean Peninsula, and reiterated the call for cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties for the successful hosting of this meeting. Representative Kim explained, "The APEC summit is not just about economic cooperation, but can be an important opportunity for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." He also predicted, "Through this meeting, South Korea will be able to play a more important role in the international community and strengthen its global leadership." Representative Kim once again asked the opposition party for bipartisan cooperation for the successful hosting of the APEC summit and urged them to work together for the future of South Korea. Despite the ruling party's continued proposals for cooperation, the opposition party is still maintaining a cautious stance, and it is uncertain whether the political conflict can be resolved during the APEC summit. Political experts advise that the ruling and opposition parties should find common ground through dialogue and compromise for the common goal of successfully hosting the APEC summit. Public attention is focused on whether the ruling and opposition parties can overcome political conflicts and cooperate for the national interest ahead of the APEC summit. The APEC CEO Summit is scheduled to be held from October 28th to 31st, starting with a welcome dinner at Gyeongju Hwarang Village on the evening of October 28th. The CEO Summit is expected to be attended by major company CEOs from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss economic cooperation plans and explore new business opportunities. In particular, the 2025 APEC CEO Summit is expected to discuss various topics related to future growth engines such as artificial intelligence, eco-friendly energy, and digital transformation, raising corporate interest. In addition, the APEC CEO Summit is expected to play an important role in strengthening communication between governments and businesses and collecting various opinions that can be reflected in policy decisions. It remains to be seen whether South Korean companies will be able to strengthen their competitiveness in the global market and gain opportunities to secure new growth engines through this summit. President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit on October 29th as a special speaker to deliver a keynote speech. In this speech, President Lee is expected to present South Korea's economic vision and policy direction, and announce plans to strengthen economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, President Lee is expected to emphasize the willingness to expand investment in future growth engines such as artificial intelligence, eco-friendly energy, and digital transformation, and to support corporate innovation through deregulation. In addition, President Lee is expected to express his willingness to strengthen economic cooperation with APEC member countries and contribute to stabilizing the global supply chain through the expansion of free trade agreements (FTAs). President Lee Jae-myung's speech is expected to instill a positive perception of South Korea's economy among corporate CEOs and government officials attending the APEC CEO Summit and contribute to expanding investment attraction. U.S. President Donald Trump is also scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO luncheon on October 29th. In this speech, U.S. President Trump is expected to present the direction of U.S. economic policy and discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, U.S. President Trump is expected to emphasize policies to revive U.S. manufacturing and create jobs, and express his willingness to continue efforts to resolve trade imbalances. In addition, U.S. President Trump is expected to emphasize his willingness to build fair trade relations with APEC member countries and strengthen cooperation to protect U.S. security interests. U.S. President Donald Trump's speech is expected to increase the understanding of the U.S. economy among corporate CEOs and government officials attending the APEC CEO Summit and have a significant impact on investment decisions. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold a summit in South Korea on October 30th. At this summit, various issues such as trade disputes between the U.S. and China, the Korean Peninsula issue, and artificial intelligence technology competition are expected to be discussed. In particular, the two leaders are expected to seek ways to resume negotiations to resolve trade disputes and discuss cooperation plans for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the two leaders are expected to seek ways to mitigate conflicts related to artificial intelligence technology competition and strengthen cyber security cooperation. As this U.S.-China summit can have a significant impact on the world economy and security, international attention is focused on it. It remains to be seen whether the two leaders will be able to resolve conflicts and strengthen cooperative relations through this meeting. President Lee Jae-myung is expected to hold summits with the United States, Japan, and China on October 29th, 30th, and November 1st, respectively. Through these summits, President Lee is expected to strengthen economic cooperation with each country and make efforts to advance the Korean Peninsula peace process. In particular, President Lee is expected to discuss ways to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance and seek ways to expand economic cooperation at the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. In addition, at the summit with Japan, he is expected to discuss ways to resolve past issues and develop future-oriented relations, and to strengthen cooperation in the economic and security fields. At the summit with China, he is expected to discuss ways to strengthen Korea-China economic cooperation and request support for the Korean Peninsula peace process. President Lee's series of summits are expected to strengthen South Korea's diplomatic position and contribute to promoting national interests. It is predicted that Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, will enter the country on October 30th and have a dinner meeting with Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company. At this meeting, future technology cooperation plans such as artificial intelligence semiconductors and autonomous driving technology are expected to be discussed. In particular, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is expected to strengthen cooperation with Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Company to develop next-generation artificial intelligence semiconductors and commercialize autonomous driving technology. In addition, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is expected to express his willingness to expand his entry into the Asian market by utilizing South Korea's excellent artificial intelligence manpower and technology. This meeting is expected to strengthen cooperation between South Korean companies and NVIDIA and contribute to enhancing global technological competitiveness. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is scheduled to meet with SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won in Gyeongju on October 31st. At this meeting, future technology cooperation plans such as artificial intelligence semiconductors and data center construction are expected to be discussed. In particular, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is expected to expand investment in cooperation with SK Group to develop next-generation artificial intelligence semiconductors and build data centers. In addition, Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is expected to express his willingness to create new business models through cooperation with SK Group in the energy and telecommunications sectors. This meeting is expected to strengthen cooperation between South Korean companies and NVIDIA and contribute to enhancing global technological competitiveness.