Seoul - The Democratic Party (DP), South Korea’s main opposition party, is set to propose a bill for universal cash handouts amounting to 250,000 won (US$184) per person as the first piece of legislation in the new National Assembly, which convenes later this month. This announcement was made by the DP's new floor leader, Rep. Park Chan-dae, during a radio interview with MBC.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The proposal follows a request by DP leader Lee Jae-myung to President Yoon Suk Yeol to honor an election promise aimed at improving people’s livelihoods. This comes in the wake of the first-ever talks between Yoon and Lee following the ruling People Power Party’s significant loss in the April 10 parliamentary elections, where the DP-led opposition secured 192 seats out of 300. Additionally, Park reiterated the party's intention to resubmit eight bills previously vetoed by President Yoon, including two special investigation bills, one of which involves allegations of stock manipulation by the first lady, Kim Keon Hee. Park, closely aligned with Lee, was elected as the DP's new floor leader last Friday.
The new session of the National Assembly is scheduled to begin on May 30.