Civic Group Calls for Legislation to Enshrine Inter-Korean Agreements

KEJI Petitions for Amendment to Inter-Korean Relations Development Act to Legalize Inter-Korean Agreements

The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (KEJI), a civic group, announced on October 30, 2025, that it held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center to submit a legislative petition for the 'Amendment to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act to Strengthen the Legal and Policy Implementation of Inter-Korean Agreements.' This legislative petition aims to institutionalize inter-Korean agreements as legally binding promises, rather than merely declaratory statements, thereby guaranteeing continuous implementation regardless of changes in government or political situations. KEJI emphasized that strengthening the legal status of inter-Korean agreements is essential for the stable development of inter-Korean relations and the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula, and hopes that this amendment petition will further solidify inter-Korean relations. In particular, given the recent somewhat strained inter-Korean relations, attention is focused on whether this legislative petition can serve as an opportunity to restore trust between the two Koreas and open the door to positive dialogue. KEJI added that it will urge the support and cooperation of civil society to ensure that this amendment passes the National Assembly, and will also request active interest and discussion from the National Assembly and the government. This legislative petition is expected to be a significant turning point in inter-Korean relations in the future. The legislative petition for the amendment to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act, promoted by KEJI, is expected to be formally submitted to the National Assembly through the introduction of Democratic Party of Korea Representative Lee Jae-gang. Representative Lee Jae-gang has been deeply interested in improving inter-Korean relations and building peace on the Korean Peninsula, and is known to have agreed with KEJI's legislative petition and taken on the role of leading the proposal. Representative Lee stated, "Strengthening the legal foundation for the development of inter-Korean relations is a task of the times," and added, "I will do my best to ensure that this amendment is thoroughly discussed in the National Assembly and passed as soon as possible." He also expressed his expectation that this legislative petition would contribute to enhancing trust between the two Koreas and building practical cooperative relationships. Representative Lee Jae-gang's leading proposal is expected to have a positive impact on increasing the possibility of the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act amendment passing the National Assembly. However, there are also predictions that it will not be easy to pass the bill without the cooperation of the opposition party, and fierce debate between the ruling and opposition parties is expected in the future National Assembly discussion process. Attention is focused on what discussion process this legislative petition will undergo in the National Assembly and what final conclusion will be reached. KEJI is emphasizing three key points in this legislative petition for the amendment to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act. First, by clearly defining the values of peace, coexistence, and mutual benefit in the law, they aim to present a fundamental direction for inter-Korean relations and lay the foundation for sustainable relationship development. This is not merely political rhetoric, but aims to prioritize the principles of peaceful resolution and mutual respect in all areas of inter-Korean relations through values enshrined in law. Second, by codifying the obligation to implement inter-Korean agreements concluded by the government, they aim to strengthen the legal binding force so that inter-Korean agreements can be implemented stably regardless of changes in government or political circumstances. This is a measure to prevent the recurrence of past cases where inter-Korean agreements were repeatedly nullified due to changes in government, and is expected to play an important role in building trust between the two Koreas and promoting practical cooperation. Third, by clarifying the standards and procedures for restricting hostile acts, they aim to ease military tensions between the two Koreas and prevent accidental clashes. This is an essential element in resolving misunderstandings and distrust between the two Koreas and creating an environment for peaceful dialogue and cooperation, and is expected to contribute to the stable management of inter-Korean relations. Meanwhile, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) officially announced on October 30, 2025, that the various allegations raised by Representative Park Seon-won on October 28 were 'mostly different from the facts and a clear distortion.' KAI stated that Representative Park Seon-won's claims are severely damaging to the company's reputation, and that it will consider all possible measures, including legal action, in the future. KAI emphasized that this allegation is not only damaging to the company's image, but also has a negative impact on the national economy, and expressed strong regret for the indiscriminate raising of allegations without confirming accurate facts. KAI's strong stance is interpreted as a judgment that this allegation goes beyond simply raising issues and threatens the company's existence. In the future, KAI is expected to focus on proving that Representative Park Seon-won's claims are false through legal procedures and restoring the company's reputation. Attention is focused on how this situation will affect KAI's business activities and how the future legal battle will unfold. KAI signed a contract with the Iraqi Ministry of Interior in 2024 for two Surion helicopters. The contract is significant for KAI as it is evaluated to have established a bridgehead for entering the Middle Eastern market. The Surion helicopter is a helicopter developed by KAI itself, and has been highly evaluated both domestically and internationally for its ability to perform various missions. The contract with the Iraqi Ministry of Interior is the result of KAI's technological prowess being recognized, and there is also the possibility of leading to additional export contracts in the future. KAI plans to further strengthen its competitiveness in the global helicopter market based on the experience and know-how gained through this contract. However, some are raising concerns that unforeseen difficulties may arise in the contract implementation process, considering Iraq's unstable political situation and security situation. KAI stated that it will closely cooperate with the Iraqi government to resolve these concerns and do its best to ensure safe and successful contract implementation. Attention is focused on whether this contract can have a positive impact on KAI's growth and lead to additional achievements in the Iraqi market. The People Power Party (PPP) held a series of Supreme Council meetings and general meetings of lawmakers on October 30, 2025, and summarized the party's position on recent political issues. At the meetings, criticism poured out on major issues such as the recently concluded US-Korea tariff negotiations, the failure to adopt Kim Hyun-ji as a witness for the Chief of Staff's Office, and the allegations of congratulatory money and abuse of power by Choi Min-hee, the chairman of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee. In particular, PPP lawmakers strongly criticized the actions of the Democratic Party of Korea and are not stopping their attacks on the government and the ruling party. The PPP stated that it will continue to actively express its opinions on major issues and represent the voices of the people through checks and balances and criticism of government policies. In addition, the PPP plans to focus on strengthening internal solidarity and seeking ways to raise the party's approval rating. However, some within the party are raising concerns that the PPP's excessively hardline stance may lead to a loss of support from the middle class. Attention is focused on what strategy the PPP will use to overcome the crisis and restore public trust in the future. PPP Representative Jang Dong-hyeok took a cautious stance on the conclusion of the US-Korea tariff negotiations, mentioning both positive and concerning aspects. He said, "It is welcome news for our companies that have been waiting for a long time," but also defined it as "the beginning of the burden," and presented future tasks. Representative Jang expressed his expectation that the conclusion of these negotiations will strengthen the export competitiveness of Korean companies and contribute to economic growth. However, at the same time, he pointed out that the outcome of the negotiations could be disadvantageous to some industries, and emphasized that the government should minimize the damage and prepare measures to support the related companies. He also urged the government and companies to work together to ensure that Korean companies can become more competitive in the global market as an opportunity to conclude these negotiations. Representative Jang Dong-hyeok's cautious remarks are interpreted as considering the complex impact of the conclusion of these US-Korea tariff negotiations on the Korean economy. Attention is focused on whether the government and companies will cooperate to make the most of the conclusion of these negotiations and secure growth engines for the Korean economy.