South Korean National Assembly plunged into Chaos as Filibuster is Suspended
The South Korean National Assembly experienced an unprecedented breakdown on Thursday, as a filibuster – a tactic for unlimited debate – was suspended during a plenary session amidst escalating conflict between the ruling and opposition parties.The dramatic events unfolded on the final day of the regular session, leaving a backlog of legislative priorities unresolved and raising serious questions about the future of parliamentary cooperation.
The Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party initially sought to pass 62 non-controversial bills. However, negotiations collapsed when Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byeong-ki refused to concede to demands from People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seok to withdraw plans for eight contentious bills, including national guarantee motions, the People Power Party initiated a filibuster during debate on an amendment to the Franchise Business Act. representative Na Kyung-won, the first debater, faced immediate opposition, including boos from the Democratic Party.The situation escalated when Speaker Woo Won-sik challenged Rep. Na for failing to offer a customary greeting upon taking the speaking stand, prompting a sharp exchange described as “a matter of personality” by the Speaker.
The conflict intensified as Speaker Woo repeatedly interrupted Rep.Na’s remarks,deeming them off-topic.despite warnings referencing Article 102 of the National Assembly Act, which prohibits speeches unrelated to the agenda, Rep.Na continued to criticize what she characterized as the Democratic Party’s unilateral control of the Assembly. In a highly unusual move, Speaker Woo ultimately silenced Rep. Na by turning off her microphone. This action evoked historical parallels, recalling a similar incident in 1964 when then-Chairman Lee Hyo-sang cut off the microphone during a five-hour and 19-minute filibuster by Representative Kim Dae-jung.
The atmosphere grew increasingly hostile, with lawmakers from both sides engaging in heated verbal exchanges. Members of the People Power Party chanted “Woo Mi-ae” toward Chairman Woo, drawing a comparison to a previous, controversial Speaker, while the Democratic Party responded with calls for the opposition to “stop talking nonsense and come down.”
Rep. Na’s debate was repeatedly interrupted. After a brief resumption following a 17-minute suspension,her microphone was again cut off after 13 minutes. In a dramatic attempt to circumvent the restriction, People Power Party Representative Kwak Gyu-taek attached a wireless microphone to Rep. Na, allowing her to continue speaking.this prompted further outcry from Democratic Party members, who accused Rep. Na of behaving like a “YouTuber” and demanded the removal of the unauthorized microphone.
After a 60-minute standoff, Rep. Na’s microphone was briefly restored, only to be silenced again 35 minutes later. Speaker Woo cited concerns about the use of a personal microphone within the Assembly chamber and requested an apology from Rep. Na. Rep. Na, however, expressed her own regret over the Speaker’s handling of the proceedings, referencing a previous filibuster in 2016 where a similar objection was met with an apology from the then-Vice-Chairman of the Democratic Party. She argued that Speaker Woo was applying the rules in a biased manner.
Ultimately, Speaker Woo suspended the session, stating she was “too embarrassed to show the National Assembly in front of the people.” The suspension lasted for two hours and ten minutes, during which the People Power Party protested what they deemed an “illegal adjournment.” Speaker Woo defended her decision, asserting that the disruption made it unfeasible to continue under the guidelines of the National Assembly Act.
Despite the resumption of the session at 8:32 p.m., tensions remained high. Rep. Na’s filibuster was briefly revived, only to be halted again 62 minutes later following another contentious exchange with Speaker Woo. The Speaker, citing the need to uphold the National Assembly Act, turned off Rep. Na’s microphone for another 35 minutes, prompting Rep. Na to declare that “Illegality disguised as legality is rampant in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.”
With the regular session now concluded, any agenda items already submitted are poised for immediate passage when the National Assembly convenes for an remarkable session starting Tuesday. The Democratic Party intends to prioritize the controversial bills between the 21st and 24th of this month, but the success of this plan hinges on weather the People Power Party will continue its filibuster strategy.
