Democratic Party of Korea and People Power Party Welcome Successful Fourth Launch of Nuri (KSLV-II) Led by the Private Sector

[Financial News] On the 27th, both the ruling and opposition parties jointly welcomed the successful fourth launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuri (KSLV-II).
Cheong-rae Jeong, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), expressed his gratitude to those involved through social media, saying, "Thank you to everyone who worked hard," and added, "I am proud of Korea."
Kim Byung-kee, floor leader of the DPK, said at a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly, "This is truly great news. It is an achievement made together with the people, and we celebrate it with them." He continued, "Korea's space development has entered a new phase, now led by the private sector." Kim added, "This moment marks a leap forward in technology, industry, and competitiveness," and emphasized, "The DPK will actively support further advancements in Korean launch vehicles and space platform technology."
Han Jeoung-ae, DPK Policy Committee Chair, also stated at the policy coordination meeting, "This marks the first step into the New Space era, where our space industry shifts from government-led to a private-centered structure. We have confirmed that the private sector now leads the entire process from satellite manufacturing to launch." She added, "This demonstrates the substantial growth of the space industry ecosystem."
She went on to say, "We thank all the institutions for their hard work," and added, "The DPK will continue to provide unwavering support and attention so that our science, technology, and space industry can continue to advance on the global stage."
Geumju Moon, DPK floor spokesperson, stated in a written briefing, "This success is a collective achievement resulting from the persistent efforts of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Hanwha Aerospace, other private companies, and countless research and technical personnel." He further noted, "The government's ongoing projects, such as the development of next-generation launch vehicles, lunar exploration, and deep space exploration, will gain further momentum from today's success." He emphasized, "The additional launches of Nuri (KSLV-II) scheduled until 2027 and the plan to establish a regular launch vehicle operation system with at least one launch per year after 2028 will serve as key milestones in making Korea one of the world's top five space powers."
The People Power Party also offered positive evaluations. Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, wrote on his social media, "Above all, this launch is even more significant as it marks the true starting point of the 'New Space' era, where the private sector takes the lead beyond government initiatives." He added, "Nuri (KSLV-II) is not the achievement of a single administration." He explained, "Since its initial development began under the Lee Myung-bak administration in 2010, successive governments and the National Assembly have invested about 2 trillion won over more than a decade, enduring numerous failures and trial-and-error to achieve this national accomplishment. It is thanks to these sustained efforts and investments that today's success was possible."
Cho Yong-sul, spokesperson for the People Power Party, commented, "The People Power Party will firmly support the expansion of Korea's independent space capabilities and the growth of the private space industry." He continued, "The success of Nuri (KSLV-II) is the result of joint efforts by the government, companies, researchers, and the people, and today marks a historic day as Korea declares itself a space power. Let us continue to strive for a broader universe and a brighter future."
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun, Song Ji-won, Lee Hae-ram Reporter