Party meeting may augur policy progress in Seoul

Significance

Their cooperation stands in contrast to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s provocative rhetoric, which has worsened partisanship in an already divided government, lowered his chances of realising his policy agenda and seen him resort to record use of veto powers.

Impacts

• The protracted doctors’ strike lowers perceptions of Yoon’s abilities, in a political culture where compromise is seen as defeat.
• With Yoon’s five-year term nearly half over, time is running out for him to achieve any substantial legislative or policy successes.
• The National Pension Service and National Health Insurance Service will face eventual insolvency unless contributions are raised.