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President Lee Arrives in Paris for State Visit 이재명 대통령이 7일(현지시간) 프랑스 파리 오를리 국제공항에 도착해 국빈 방문 일정에 돌입한다. 이 대통령은 앞서 이날 생폴드방스 마그재단에서 열린 뤼미에르 서밋에 공동의장으로 참석해 영화·영상산업 협력 방안을 논의했다. 한국 영화인들과의 대화, 영화·영상 관련 라운드테이블, 미국영화협회(MPA) 회원사 접견 등의 일정도 진행했다. 파리에서는 8일 개선문 헌화와 공식환영식에 참석한 뒤 엘리제궁에서 마크롱 대통령과 단독 오찬 및 확대 정상회담을 갖는다. 이어 한·프랑스 비즈니스 라운드테이블과 국빈 만찬 등의 일정이 예정돼 있다. 9일에는 프랑스 하원의장 면담, 재불동포 오찬 간담회, OECD 사무총장 접견 등을 진행한 뒤 프랑스 국빈 방문 일정을 마무리할 예정이다. 2026-09-08 03:56:20 -
President Lee Arrives in Paris for State Visit 이재명 대통령이 7일(현지시간) 프랑스 파리공항에 도착해 국빈 방문 일정에 돌입한다. 이 대통령은 앞서 이날 생폴드방스 마그재단에서 열린 뤼미에르 서밋에 공동의장으로 참석해 영화·영상산업 협력 방안을 논의했다. 한국 영화인들과의 대화, 영화·영상 관련 라운드테이블, 미국영화협회(MPA) 회원사 접견 등의 일정도 진행했다. 파리에서는 8일 개선문 헌화와 공식환영식에 참석한 뒤 엘리제궁에서 마크롱 대통령과 단독 오찬 및 확대 정상회담을 갖는다. 이어 한·프랑스 비즈니스 라운드테이블과 국빈 만찬 등의 일정이 예정돼 있다. 9일에는 프랑스 하원의장 면담, 재불동포 오찬 간담회, OECD 사무총장 접견 등을 진행한 뒤 프랑스 국빈 방문 일정을 마무리할 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 03:56:00
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South Korea and France to Invest €1 Billion in Film and Video Industry South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron launched the 'Lumière Partnership' on September 7, 2026, committing a total of €1 billion (approximately 1.6 trillion won) to the film and video industry over the next five years. Each country will contribute €500 million to strengthen their respective industries and expand joint investment and production, supporting local content's entry into the global market.In his opening speech at the 'Lumière Summit' held at the Saint-Paul-de-Vence Foundation in France, President Lee stated, "I would like to announce the launch of a global investment cooperation initiative for the prosperity and coexistence of the film and video industry."He added, "This partnership, proposed by South Korea and welcomed by France, will not only invigorate our domestic film and video industries through investment but also serve as a solid stepping stone for local content to reach the global stage. I hope this partnership transcends bilateral relations and becomes a beacon illuminating a new future for the global film and video industry."President Macron emphasized the economic and social value of the investment, stating, "Images are important to our economy, as film, television, and video games are key industries that create jobs, investment, innovation, and growth." He noted that no country can build this future alone, stressing the need for a global response as technology, capital, images, and audiences cross borders.Both leaders agreed on the importance of setting the direction of technological change around people and creativity rather than resisting it. Macron pointed out that algorithms influence video consumption and that existing funding models are being restructured, stating, "It is not our responsibility to stop this change. However, we must set the direction."President Lee also remarked, "If we fail to respond adequately to the changes of the times, it will undoubtedly be a crisis. However, if we respond proactively, it will certainly be an opportunity." He proposed creating an era where artificial intelligence develops more responsibly and human-centered, ensuring that its benefits provide new opportunities for everyone. He identified four key challenges for the industry: the crisis of theaters, the threats and opportunities posed by AI, support for independent films and diversity, and cooperation between local and global entities.He pledged that South Korea would continue to be a partner in the global film and video ecosystem, emphasizing the need for national support and multilateral cooperation, as independent films are a source of new imagination and narratives.President Macron characterized the summit as a milestone for 'multilateralism of projects and actions' involving nations, creators, producers, broadcasters, platforms, cinemas, game and technology companies, and international organizations. He highlighted the preservation of audiovisual heritage, image education, and support for independent cinemas in vulnerable areas as key tasks, stating, "Our challenge is not to celebrate a golden age but to open a new era of creation."On this day, the two leaders adopted the 'Lumière Declaration on the Future of Film and Video,' stating that "human creativity must always remain at the center and foundation of works." They agreed to protect intellectual property rights while embracing technologies like AI. Additionally, they outlined 15 joint principles, including investment in creation, safeguarding diversity in works, expanding international co-production, addressing illegal reproduction, reaffirming the value of the theater experience, and universalizing audiovisual education.Approximately 200 participants, including culture ministers, international organization officials, directors, actors, and industry experts from over 50 countries, attended the summit. The two countries plan to combine the strengths of France, the birthplace of cinema, and South Korea, a powerhouse of K-content, to materialize investment outcomes into joint projects.Following the summit, President Lee engaged in discussions with South Korean filmmakers, including directors Lee Chang-dong and Jeong Joo-ri, and actors Seol Kyung-gu, Jeon Do-yeon, and Kim Do-young, as well as officials from Netflix and other industry stakeholders. He also met with representatives from Netflix, Disney, Sony, NBCUniversal, and other MPA member companies to evaluate K-content investments exceeding 1 trillion won annually and urged for continued investment. After concluding his schedule in Nice, President Lee will move to Paris to continue his state visit starting September 8.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 03:16:00
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Lee Moves to Paris After Lumiere Summit for Talks with Macron 이재명 대통령이 7일(현지시간) 프랑스 생폴드방스에서 뤼미에르 서밋 일정을 마치고 니스 코트다쥐르 공항을 통해 파리로 이동했다. 이 대통령은 파리에서 에마뉘엘 마크롱 프랑스 대통령과 정상회담을 갖고 양국 관계 발전과 경제·문화 협력 방안을 논의할 예정이다. 이 대통령은 이날 생폴드방스 마그재단에서 뤼미에르 서밋 공동의장으로 개막 연설을 한 뒤 한국 영화인들과의 대화, 공식 오찬, 영화·영상 관련 라운드테이블, 미국영화협회(MPA) 회원사 접견 등의 일정을 소화했다. 이 대통령은 뤼미에르 서밋에서 한국과 프랑스가 각각 5억 유로를 출연해 영화·영상산업에 투자하는 협력 구상을 발표하고, 로컬 콘텐츠와 글로벌 자본·유통망의 결합을 통한 공동제작과 투자 확대를 강조했다. 파리에서는 8일 개선문 헌화와 공식환영식에 참석한 뒤 엘리제궁에서 마크롱 대통령과 단독오찬 및 확대정상회담을 갖는다. 이어 한불 비즈니스 라운드테이블과 국빈 만찬 등의 일정이 예정돼 있다. 9일에는 프랑스 하원의장 면담과 재불동포 오찬, 경제협력개발기구(OECD) 사무총장 접견 등을 진행한 뒤 귀국길에 오를 예정이다. 2026-09-08 01:40:20
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Kim Hye-kyung Visits French Monastery, Honors 40 Years of Community Service 김혜경 여사는 7일(현지시간) 브리지트 마크롱 여사와 프랑스 남부 생폴드방스의 성 가정 도미니코 수녀회 수도원을 찾아 한국인 수녀들을 비롯한 공동체 구성원들과 교류했다. 올해 들어 네 번째 만남을 가진 두 여사는 오랜 세월 양국을 이어온 사람과 사람의 인연이 한국과 프랑스 관계를 더욱 단단하게 하는 토대라는 데 공감했다. 이재명 대통령과 함께 프랑스를 국빈 방문 중인 김 여사는 이날 마크롱 여사와 함께 성 가정 도미니코 수녀회 수도원을 방문해 김경희 총원장을 비롯한 수녀들과 만났다. 두 사람은 지난 4월 마크롱 대통령의 국빈 방한 당시 서울에서 조우했으며, 6월 주요 7개국(G7) 정상회의가 열린 프랑스 에비앙과 7월 북대서양조약기구(NATO) 정상회의가 열린 튀르키예 앙카라에서도 교류했다. 안귀령 청와대 부대변인의 서면 브리핑에 따르면 성 가정 도미니코 수녀회 수도원은 19세기부터 도움이 필요한 아이들을 돌보고 교육해 온 공동체다. 한국 출신 화가이자 사제인 김인중 신부의 소개로 1982년부터 한국인 수녀들이 합류했으며, 현재 수녀 8명 가운데 6명이 한국인이다. 당시 처음 합류한 한국인 수녀 중 한 명인 김경희 수녀는 2024년부터 총원장을 맡고 있다. 김 여사는 오랜 세월 고국을 떠나 프랑스 지역사회를 위해 헌신해 온 수녀들의 이야기를 들으며 감사와 존경의 뜻을 밝혔다. 김 여사는 “지금보다 한국과 프랑스가 훨씬 멀게 느껴졌을 1980년대 초, 가족과 고향을 떠나 언어와 문화가 다른 곳에서 새로운 삶을 시작하는 것이 결코 쉽지 않았을 것”이라고 운을 뗐다. 이어 “사람과 사람의 교류가 얼마나 깊고 오랜 인연으로 이어질 수 있는지를 보여주는 아름다운 사례”라며 한국인 수녀들의 삶이 양국 관계를 잇는 의미 있는 인연이라고 강조했다. 두 여사는 수녀들의 안내를 받아 오랜 역사를 간직한 수도원의 예배당과 정원 등을 둘러봤다. 세월의 흔적과 아름다움을 간직한 수도원의 모습을 살펴보며 앞으로도 이 공간이 잘 보존되기를 바란다는 뜻도 전했다. 김 여사는 “40년이 넘는 세월 동안 낯선 땅에서 이웃을 돌보고 지역사회와 함께해온 수녀님들의 삶에 깊은 존경을 표한다”며 “오늘 직접 만나 그 시간을 듣고 감사의 마음을 전할 수 있어 더욱 뜻깊었다”고 말했다. 마크롱 여사는 “한국에서 온 수녀님들이 이곳에 뿌리내리고 오랜 시간 프랑스 지역사회와 함께해온 이야기가 매우 인상 깊었다”며 “김 여사와 함께 이 특별한 장소를 찾아 이야기를 나눌 수 있어 기쁘다”라고 화답했다. 안 부대변인은 “한국과 프랑스 수교 140주년을 맞은 올해, 이번 일정은 두 여사가 여러 차례 만남을 통해 쌓아온 우의를 확인하고, 오랜 세월 양국을 이어온 사람과 사람의 인연을 되새기는 계기가 됐다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 01:20:00
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South Korea Promises Strong Support for U.S. Film Industry Collaboration South Korean President Lee Jae-myung pledged strong government support for U.S. film industry members, including Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, and Disney, to produce works and discover materials in Korea. He emphasized that South Korea is embarking on a new journey in the cultural content industry, highlighting the unique stories and the creators' sensitivity as competitive advantages that resonate with global audiences.During a meeting on September 7 at the Lumière Summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, President Lee expressed, "It would be great to create new opportunities for South Korea."Attendees included Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, Donna Langley, Chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment, and Dana Walden, President and COO of The Walt Disney Company. South Korean officials present included Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Lee Mi-kyung, Vice Chair of CJ Group.President Lee pointed to economic growth, democratic development, and a rich history of storytelling as the foundation for the growth of South Korea's cultural content industry. He noted that the experience of achieving both economic growth and political democratization in less than a century since liberation in 1945 has laid the groundwork for the development of cultural content.He stated, "There has been no other case in the world where democratization and economic growth have been achieved so rapidly together," linking South Korea's development experience to the growth of its cultural industry.He also presented the narratives accumulated over a long time in the Korean Peninsula as significant resources for content. "In that small area, the same people have lived for thousands of years, creating countless stories and shared experiences," he said, adding that there are endless resources for content material.President Lee highlighted the education level, passion, craftsmanship, and sensitivity of Korean creators as strengths. He remarked, "I believe that South Korea is the best at touching people's hearts and gaining empathy without needing to make huge investments for blockbuster productions."He reiterated the government's commitment to support, stating, "I promise that the government will actively and fully support the creation of works and the discovery of materials in South Korea."Regarding production costs, he joked with attendees, saying, "There are no difficulties in production due to enormous costs in South Korea, so there is nothing to worry about."Charles Rivkin, Chairman of the MPA, expressed gratitude to President Lee and Minister Choi for hosting the event. He praised the attendees, stating, "These individuals gathered before the President are the leaders of the most powerful storytelling businesses on Earth."Rivkin also noted that MPA members trust the Korean cultural industry and the Korean creative community. He stated, "We believe in the Korean cultural industry and invest in partnerships with the Korean creative community, continuously working to convey American stories to Korean audiences while introducing Korean content to fans worldwide."He mentioned that MPA members are interested in the growth background of the Korean content industry, sharing that during his 20 years in the entertainment industry, he often receives questions about how South Korea achieves its success.This meeting was organized to expand cooperation between the film and video industries of South Korea and the United States and to strengthen collaboration in the production, investment, and distribution of Korean content with global studios and platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 00:52:00
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President Lee: Local Uniqueness is Global Competitiveness President Lee suggested combining the uniqueness of local content with global capital and distribution networks to create a sustainable growth foundation for the film and media industry. He stated, "In this era, the most 'local' uniqueness is the most 'global' competitiveness," and assured that the Korean government would be a strong partner in global co-production, investment, and distribution cooperation through policy and institutional support. President Lee made these remarks on September 7 during a roundtable discussion on film and media held at the Nicolas Dassault Hall of the Mag Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. The event featured international attendees, including Pierre-Antoine Capton, Chairman and CEO of Mediawan, Emily Antonis, European, Middle Eastern, and African representative of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), and Isabelle Hasky, Vice President of Global Policy Strategy at Netflix. From the Korean side, participants included Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver, Yoon Sang-hyun, CEO of CJ ENM, Kim Yoon-ji, President of the Korea Creative Content Agency, Han Sang-jun, Chairman of the Korean Film Council, Park Kwang-soo, Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, Lee Mi-kyung, Vice Chair of CJ Group, and Choi Joo-hee, CEO of Tving. President Lee explained, "While the keynote session at the Lumière Summit in the morning focused on the macro vision of the film and media industry, this roundtable is a place to gather wisdom for the 'joint prosperity of local and global.'" He emphasized the importance of the role of participating companies and institutions, including Netflix, the MPA, Mediawan, and Naver, in discovering hidden gems of local stories and connecting them with global audiences to build a sustainable industry ecosystem. President Lee noted that the most 'local' uniqueness is becoming the most 'global' competitiveness, highlighting that the unique narratives of K-films and K-dramas resonate with global audiences. He added, "The synergy that occurs when the originality of the local ecosystem meets the expansiveness of the global network is the most important system for enhancing our collective achievements." He also proposed a virtuous cycle structure where global capital and distribution networks combine with local creators' stories. President Lee expressed hope that when global capital and distribution networks merge with locally promising narratives, it will invigorate the regional production ecosystem, leading to a 'solid virtuous partnership' that enhances global platform competitiveness. The Korean government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international cooperation in the film and media industry. President Lee promised, "The Republic of Korea will spare no policy and institutional support to ensure that global co-production, investment, and distribution cooperation in film and media can be carried out more actively as a strong partner."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 00:20:00
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President Lee Meets K-Creators at Lumiere Summit to Discuss Future of K-Content 이재명 대통령이 프랑스 뤼미에르 서밋에 초청된 한국 창작자들을 만나 최근 K-콘텐츠 흥행으로 달라진 현장의 분위기와 성과를 지속하기 위한 과제를 논의했다. 영화·영상 창작자들에게 더 많은 기회가 주어질 수 있도록 산업 전반에 대한 지원 의지도 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 7일(현지시간) 프랑스 생폴드방스에서 ‘넥스트 씬, K-콘텐츠의 내일을 말하다’를 주제로 한국 영화인들과 간담회를 가졌다. 강유정 청와대 수석대변인의 서면 브리핑에 따르면 이번 행사에는 이창동·정주리 감독과 설경구·전도연·김도연 배우, 김민영 넷플릭스 아시아·태평양 콘텐츠 총괄 부사장이 참석했다. 통역사이자 방송인인 안현모가 사회를 맡았다. 이창동 감독이 연출하고 설경구·전도연 배우가 출연한 영화 <가능한 사랑>은 베니스국제영화제 경쟁 부문에 초청됐으며, 제98회 아카데미 시상식 한국 출품작으로 선정됐다. 정주리 감독이 연출하고 김도연 배우가 출연한 영화 <도라>는 칸 영화제에 초청된 바 있다. 이 대통령은 참석자들과 자유로운 분위기 속에서 최근 K-콘텐츠의 흥행으로 달라진 영화·영상산업 현장의 분위기와 이 같은 성과를 이어가기 위해 필요한 정책 과제를 논의했다. 또 문화 정책에 대한 기본 원칙을 설명하고, 영화·영상 창작자들에게 더 많은 기회가 돌아갈 수 있도록 산업 전반에 대한 정부 지원 의지를 밝혔다. 간담회는 제한된 시간으로 마무리됐으며, 이 대통령은 행사 종료에 아쉬움을 표한 것으로 전해졌다. 이후 이 대통령은 에마뉘엘 마크롱 프랑스 대통령 부부와 함께 뤼미에르 서밋 공식 오찬에 참석했다. 오찬에는 각국 문화장관과 국제기구 인사, 영화·영상 기업 및 단체 대표, 감독·배우 등 창작자 200여명이 참석했다. 이 대통령은 영화·영상산업 발전을 위해 활동하는 참석자들에게 경의를 표하고, 서로 다른 문화적 배경을 가진 참석자들이 협력해 다양성의 가치를 키움으로써 영상산업의 미래를 함께 밝혀가자는 메시지를 전했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 00:12:20
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President Yoon Discusses Challenges for Independent and Commercial Films President Yoon Suk-yeol highlighted the shrinking space for independent and art films amid the global success of K-content, stating that the 'ladder' connecting commercial and independent films has been severed. He emphasized the need for government support across production, distribution, demand, and investment to bridge this gap. He also announced a budget allocation of approximately 800 billion won for youth cultural arts vouchers in the upcoming year, indicating policies that creators can feel.On September 7, President Yoon held a meeting with Korean filmmakers at the Mag Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, under the theme 'Next Scene: The Future of K-Content.' Attendees included directors Lee Chang-dong and Jeong Joo-ri, actors Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, and Kim Do-yeon, as well as Kim Min-young, Vice President of Netflix Asia-Pacific Content.The president emphasized that culture impacts a nation's image, international business expansion, and product competitiveness.He also introduced a collaborative plan for Korea and France to establish a joint investment fund of 500 million euros each to invest in both countries' film and video industries, laying the groundwork for potential co-productions and further collaboration.During the meeting, the achievements of Korean creators on the international stage and the positive reactions from overseas audiences were discussed. Director Lee Chang-dong reported that his film 'Possible Love' received a warm reception at its premiere at the Venice Film Festival the previous day, noting a significant interest from international fans in Korean actors.Actor Sul Kyung-gu shared an unusual moment when over 100 journalists approached the stage for autographs after the official press conference at the Venice Film Festival. Jeon Do-yeon remarked that the attention 'Possible Love' received at a festival known for showcasing globally recognized works reaffirmed Director Lee's stature.Director Jeong Joo-ri explained that after French audiences viewed her previous work, local producers proposed co-production. Her film 'Dora' began shooting with support from France's Arte and the Korean Film Council, involving a French crew working in Korea, with significant post-production taking place in France and Luxembourg.Despite facing challenges related to language and climate in a multinational production environment that included Japanese actors, Jeong described the experience as a collaborative effort to complete a single film.Kim Min-young attributed the global appeal of Korean content to creators' ability to authentically portray Korean stories and lives. She noted that the most Korean narratives resonate further with global audiences, and a balanced collaboration among creators, private enterprises, and the government fosters an ecosystem that enables new challenges and storytelling.In response to a question about independent and art films, President Yoon diagnosed that while the Korean film industry has achieved significant external success, its internal ecosystem is weakening. He pointed out that while some major projects and well-known creators receive concentrated success, the foundation for independent films and emerging creators is diminishing.The president stated that policies will be implemented for independent and art films that will be more tangible than previously imagined. He emphasized that the film and video industry not only enhances Korea's national image and boosts national pride but also yields significant public benefits, making it a highly efficient area for financial investment.Director Lee Chang-dong expressed concern that the Korean film industry is in a 'structural crisis.' He explained that his film 'Possible Love' could not find domestic investors and was only produced through Netflix funding, highlighting the difficulties in the domestic film investment ecosystem.While acknowledging that Netflix plays a crucial role in the film industry, he noted that there are still limitations in forming a complementary relationship with theatrical films. He mentioned that although Jeong Joo-ri's 'Dora' is receiving acclaim in France and is set for a co-production and release, there is currently no domestic release date scheduled.Jeong added that both films were made with production support, which also implies that without such support, creating films would be challenging.Regarding next year's budget, President Yoon explained, 'We have allocated about 800 billion won for youth cultural arts vouchers.' He stated that increasing youth participation in cultural activities, such as going to the movies, could expand opportunities for creators and artists.He also expressed a commitment to reflecting on-site opinions in policy. 'Government authorities do not know exactly what is needed on the ground,' he said, adding, 'It is correct to say they do not know.' He urged cultural artists to actively propose necessary policies and budgets.Director Lee suggested introducing France's private film investment tax incentive system to Korea. He referred to the 'SOFICA' policy, which encourages individual and private company investments in films through tax benefits, aiming to direct funds to works outside of major commercial films, including independent films and emerging directors' projects.He explained this concept to Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association, and noted that if the government shows commitment, businesses would also participate actively. President Yoon responded, 'I will start right away when I return,' adding, 'I will let you know the results later.'Director Jeong requested a follow-up meeting to discuss the survival crisis faced by creators in the film industry in the age of AI.Concluding the meeting, President Yoon remarked, 'I feel that the opportunity for Korea has finally arrived. The whole world is looking at Korea,' asserting that 'the most Korean things are the most competitive.'Earlier in the meeting, a scene reminiscent of a film set unfolded. President Yoon told Director Lee, 'I will do as you say,' before calling out 'Action!' and slating. When Director Lee remarked that the staff might struggle at first, the president quipped, 'I received praise.'At the end of the event, President Yoon took out his phone to take a selfie with Director Lee. Actor Sul Kyung-gu also pulled out his phone, but when it wouldn't turn on, he used the president's phone, with Director Lee taking their picture. The president also took selfies with actors Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Do-yeon, joking, 'Just for my own sake. My wife told me to make sure to take some.' This elicited laughter from those present.After the meeting, President Yoon attended the official luncheon of the Lumière Summit, which was attended by over 200 people, including French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, cultural ministers from various countries, representatives from international organizations, and film and video industry leaders. He emphasized the importance of fostering cultural diversity through collaboration among attendees from diverse cultural backgrounds to shape the future of the film industry. 2026-09-07 23:04:20
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People Power Party Criticizes Kim Min-seok's Speech, Calls for Accountability The People Power Party criticized Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, following his representative speech at the National Assembly on September 7, calling it "confusing," a "hymn to the regime," and "disappointing."Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's leader, expressed his discontent on Facebook, stating, "There was not a single apology for the real estate crisis and stock market crash," while also noting that the topic of constitutional amendment was conspicuously included. He added, "The prerequisite for constitutional amendment is simple. President Lee Jae-myung must declare 'no re-election.' If the Democratic Party wants to pursue a constitutional amendment, they should persuade the president, not the opposition. If Kim brings back the declaration of no re-election, he could become the foremost contributor to the amendment."Jeong Jeom-sik, the floor leader, also voiced his concerns to reporters immediately after Kim's speech. He acknowledged the idea of rearranging seats but emphasized that cooperation requires a genuine willingness from the Democratic Party. "Cooperation happens when the Democratic Party approaches with the intent to cooperate; simply rearranging seats does not constitute cooperation. The Democratic Party and the Lee Jae-myung administration must change their fundamental approach," he stated.Park Seong-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, criticized Kim's remarks on cooperation, calling it the height of arrogance. He remarked, "By lecturing on the People Power Party's historical perspective and identity while mentioning cooperation, they view the opposition not as partners in governance but as subjects to be corrected and enlightened, demanding compliance with their predetermined answers. It’s like pretending to extend a hand while actually asking for submission." He further stated, "It is absurd to present a massive budget exceeding 820 trillion won while claiming to be a competent ruling party. If spending national funds is a measure of capability, then where is the incompetent government in the world? If the current administration takes credit, the burden of the bill falls on the youth and future generations, which is an irresponsible game of hot potato."Choi Eun-seok, the party's chief floor spokesperson, expressed disappointment over the lack of reflection on the government's performance over the past 15 months. He stated, "Ultimately, it was just a fancy wordplay presented to the public. While Kim boasted about improvements in growth, exports, the KOSPI, and diplomacy, President Lee's approval ratings continue to hit record lows." He emphasized, "What the public wants to hear is not excuses or embellishments, but a candid assessment of why their lives have not improved over the past 15 months, what the government has done wrong, and what the ruling party will change moving forward."Meanwhile, on September 8, Jeong is expected to deliver a representative speech on behalf of the People Power Party, focusing on issues related to real estate, the stock market, and public safety, advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of the people.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 22:00:00