South Korea’s National Assembly opened its 100-day regular session on Sept. 1, with lawmakers facing clashes over the government’s 821 trillion won ($595 billion) 2027 budget proposal, six ministerial confirmation hearings and contentious reform bills. Speaker Cho Jeong-sik urged lawmakers to prioritize people’s livelihoods, saying semiconductor-led economic growth has not yet improved daily life for many citizens. He highlighted artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, youth, climate change and peace on the Korean Peninsula, while calling for swift action on semiconductor and AI legislation. The agenda also includes a proposal to use parts of Yongsan Park in central Seoul for housing, judicial reform bills, policy speeches, four days of interpellation sessions and a three-week audit of government offices beginning Oct. 6.