Kim Jong-hoon, the chief South Korean negotiator in free trade talks with the United States, said on April 11 that South Korea is believed to need to about 20 laws in the wake of the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) signed on April 2.

In an interview with Yonhap News Agency, Kim said, "Four categories, including agriculture, aren't totally decided upon yet. After analyzing the remaining 15 categories, about 15 laws will need revision. In total, about 20 laws need revision. Including ordinances and notices, about 40 will need revision."

Kim's remark is in contrast with estimates made in January by civic organizations that said 169 laws will need to be revised because they are in conflict with the terms of the South Korea-U.S. FTA. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also said previously that 36 laws should be changed.

Lee Tae-ho, an official at the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, said, "At this point, it's hard to believe that only 20 laws need to be changed. In the category of automobiles alone, five laws on taxation and environmental standards should be revised." Lee urged the government to disclose the agreement's original text to verify the government's one-sided explanation.

"It's also problematic that the government seems to think that having to change 20 laws isn't that many," Lee said. "The U.S. didn't change a single law because of a possible conflict with Congress. However, the Korean administration infringed upon the National Assembly's constitutional rights because the administration negotiated with the U.S. to change domestic laws without consultations with the Assembly."

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]