Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties will convene for their inaugural meeting this Sunday to address the ongoing doctors' protests against the government's proposed reforms and its impact on the country's healthcare system. The deadlock between the two main parties persists, with no consensus reached on a bill to appoint a special counsel to investigate the on-duty death of a Marine and an opposition-led proposal to distribute cash to encourage consumer spending. Democratic Party leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung has called for his party to intensify efforts, emphasizing the need for the Assembly to assume a more proactive role in shaping national affairs due to perceived failings by the government and ruling party. Lee has urged the Democratic Party to leverage its authority to prevent the collapse of South Korean livelihoods and expand its policy committee to address issues directly affecting households. He holds President Yoon Suk Yeol responsible for the disruption to healthcare services, citing the ongoing conflict with doctors regarding reform initiatives. The retreat, attended by the majority of Democratic Party lawmakers, featured criticisms of President Yoon's handling of state affairs and a conspicuous absence from the annual retreat of the ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon. Han proposed delaying healthcare reform to entice doctors back to hospitals, a suggestion rejected by the presidential office. The divide between Yoon and Han was further highlighted by the president's non-attendance at his party's retreat.