Hong Joon-pyo: "In 25 Years of Politics, This Is the First Time Experiencing Such a National Assembly... I Will Take a Break for a While"

"Ruthless Ruling Party, Powerless Opposition Do Nothing... South Korea in Dire Straits"

Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo is giving a lecture at the 'University Student Leadership Academy' held in the auditorium of Busan City Hall on the afternoon of January 15. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] On the 4th, independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo pointed out, "In my 25 years of political life, I have never seen such a shameless ruling party and such a powerless opposition party as I felt in the plenary session of the opening National Assembly."

In a post on his Facebook that day, Rep. Hong said, "The plenary session has become a stage for entertainment games of each camp, and it has become routine for them to laugh and applaud among themselves even at speeches that are emotionless and meaningless, turning the solemn plenary session into a chaotic battleground."

He added, "It is truly regrettable that the Speaker of the National Assembly cannot maintain order in the chamber, and the National Assembly has become a disorderly applause squad," and criticized, "If the upcoming regular session of the National Assembly also shows an arrogant ruling party and a powerless opposition party, the Republic of Korea will be bleak."

He also announced his intention to suspend activities for a while. He said, "With the end of the opening National Assembly today, there will be a recess of about half a month before entering the settlement session," and added, "I will take a break for a while, read books, exercise, go hiking, and meet many acquaintances."

Meanwhile, the National Assembly held the last plenary session of the temporary National Assembly in the afternoon and passed real estate-related bills including amendments to the Income Tax Act, Corporate Tax Act, and Comprehensive Real Estate Tax Act. The ruling Democratic Party's follow-up legislation on the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office, and the three lease laws (rent ceiling system, rent reporting system, and contract renewal request right) were also processed together.

Rep. Hong attended the plenary session that day and voted against 7 out of 11 follow-up bills related to the ruling party's June 17 and July 10 real estate measures.