Ruling Party Holds Workshop Without Alcohol After Nepal Floods

The Democratic Party of Korea will hold its workshop on managing the second half of the political term in a subdued atmosphere. Considering the casualties from the massive flooding in Nepal, the party has also decided to forgo the alcohol typically served at dinner gatherings.

Lee Ju-hee, the party's floor spokesperson, said at a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly on the 27th that the workshop would proceed because it serves to prepare for the regular National Assembly session. "Given the circumstances, including the flooding in Nepal, we will not serve alcohol and will try to keep the atmosphere as serious as possible," the spokesperson said.

The move is seen as reflecting the nine people currently missing in the Nepal floods. The government has decided to dispatch an 11-member joint rapid response team.

Over the two-day workshop, the Democratic Party will discuss its strategy for running the second half of the regular session and hold breakout discussions on tasks for what it calls a great leap forward for South Korea. Participants will also analyze the voter landscape ahead of next year's by-elections and the 2028 general election. The workshop slogan is "Great Reform for People's Livelihoods, Great Transition for Growth, Great Investment for the Future."