Seoul: Ruling and opposition party officials were set to resume discussions Sunday afternoon to narrow their differences on contentious issues, including next year's budget and a parliamentary probe into the prosecution's decision to forgo an appeal in a corruption case. Party leadership, including floor leaders Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and Rep. Song Eon-seog of the opposition People Power Party (PPP), met earlier in the day at the National Assembly without reaching any agreement.

According to Yonhap News Agency, key agenda items included policy funds, local gift certificates, the presidential office's special activity expenses, and education and other taxes. On corporate tax rates, for example, the DP advocates for reversing the cuts enacted under the former Yoon Suk Yeol government, while the PPP opposes raising taxes, citing the impact on businesses.

Also among the items on which both parties are seeking a breakthrough is a parliamentary probe into the prosecution's decision not to appeal a lower court ruling in a high-profile real estate development project in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The case centers on allegations that little-known private asset management firms, including Hwacheon Daeyu, were allowed to reap massive profits from the 2015 Daejang-dong development project, while President Lee Jae Myung was mayor.

The two parties are under pressure to find compromises on a variety of issues, especially the budget, with the deadline for passing next year's budget just two days away.