Ruling party files two rival bills on mega-regional special zone law

The Democratic Party of Korea on Tuesday introduced two competing versions of a so-called mega-regional special zone bill — one that includes labor exemptions such as exceptions to the 52-hour workweek rule, and one that does not — with plans to reconcile the two through further deliberation.

Floor Leader Han Byung-do said at a national audit strategy meeting at the National Assembly that the bill was designed "to extend beyond the Greater Seoul area the growth opportunities that have been concentrated there, and to support each region in leading South Korea's future around its strategic industries." He added that the party would not set a fixed timeline for passage, pledging instead to "go through sufficient listening and debate."

Han said the party would "devote every effort to reaching a social consensus," adding that it would "broadly hear from all sectors and prepare a final bill through a combined review process."

He also said the legislative review process must take a comprehensive look at support measures for corporate investment and regional growth. "Cross-ministry support is needed — from fiscal, financial and tax measures to talent development and infrastructure," Han said. "Since this involves tasks spanning multiple ministries and standing committees, we will actively consider establishing a special committee of the National Assembly."

Han pledged to "do our utmost to ensure that corporate investment translates into quality jobs and regional vitality," adding that the Democratic Party would "responsibly craft legislation that balances industrial competitiveness with workers' rights and leads South Korea's great leap forward."

The version including labor exemptions such as the 52-hour workweek exception will be introduced by Rep. Park Sang-hyeok, who leads the ruling party's side on the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee. Because differences with labor groups were not fully resolved until the last moment, the version without labor exemptions will first be introduced by Rep. Choi Gi-sang, who leads the ruling party's side on the Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee.