Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, delivers an address during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Feb. 10. Yonhap

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on Monday urged the government to come up with a supplementary budget worth at least 30 trillion won ($20.6 billion), in a bid to revive the nation's economy and help small businesses.

"The government should not miss the golden time for economic recovery through fiscal expansion," Lee said in a parliamentary speech. "I propose at least 30 trillion won worth of supplementary budget to support people's livelihoods and recover the economy."

Lee said the proposed supplementary budget is aimed at reviving the economy and stimulating sagging growth amid political turmoil triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law declaration on Dec. 3.

Lee also highlighted the need for strategic investments in key industries, listing artificial intelligence, biotechnology, content and culture, defense, energy and manufacturing, as priority sectors.

With U.S. President Donald Trump signaling that he may reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Lee called for efforts to resume talks with Pyongyang.

"As President Trump has expressed his willingness to hold a summit with North Korea, our government should urge the North to return to dialogue and ensure that we are not sidelined in North Korea-U.S. negotiations," Lee said.

Lee underscored the need to maintain robust readiness to deal with heightened military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, citing the Yoon administration's hard-line policy stance and North Korea's growing ties with Russia.

"We should reinforce our military readiness and enhance our capabilities to respond to North Korea's nuclear threats, while also keeping communication channels open and continue efforts for dialogue," he said. (Yonhap)