President Park Geun-hye renewed her calls on Wednesday for parliamentary approval of a labor reform bill, strongly voicing concern over the deadlock.

"I think (lawmakers) will not be able to deviate from the judgment of history if labor reform fails due to the National Assembly's noncooperation," Park said in a meeting meant to review progress in major policies this year.

In September, labor, management and the government reached a landmark deal to ease labor restrictions and allow companies to dismiss workers who are either negligent or underperforming.

However, no follow-up measures have been taken as the related bills are pending in the National Assembly due to bipartisan deadlock on several contentious issues.

"Legislation for the sake of the livelihoods of the people and the economy is not a right but the duty of the National Assembly," ark said.

Park has showed concern that the country's economy could face difficulties in reviving its economy without a much-wanted overhaul in the labor and public sectors.

High unemployment among the youth has emerged as a major social problem in Asia's fourth-largest economy, prompting calls for more active measures to address the issue.

"Labor reform should not become the subject of a political issue or the means of a bargaining tool as the survival of our youth is at stake," Park said.

Park also urged government officials to do their best next year to bolster her reform drive centered on the labor, public, finance and education sectors.

"Reform in four sectors is never an easy job from the government's position" Park said. However, she said that successfully carrying out the painful and difficult task will breathe new life into the economy. (Yonhap)