Ruling Party: "We Will Not Forcibly End the Filibuster, Respecting the Opposition's Wishes"... Opposition Could Filibuster for Up to One Month

Lee Nakyeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 7th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy, reporter Won Dara] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided not to forcibly end the filibuster (unlimited debate) currently being conducted by the People Power Party.

Hong Jungmin, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated at a press briefing on the afternoon of December 10, "The Democratic Party has decided to respect the opposition party's request to fully guarantee their opportunity to express opinions on the bills subject to filibuster."

According to the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be ended with the approval of three-fifths (180 seats) of the members. On the afternoon of December 10, the People Power Party launched a filibuster after the amendment to the National Intelligence Service Act was introduced at the plenary session of the National Assembly. The previous day, the People Power Party's filibuster against the amendment to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Act was automatically ended at midnight with the conclusion of the regular session.

Spokesperson Hong explained, "When a filibuster is requested for multiple bills, we do have a way to end the unlimited debate, but at this time, we are choosing to respect the opposition's wishes by giving them sufficient opportunity for debate." She added, "We plan to process the bills after sufficient debate. For us, the main priority is not to end the debate, but to process the bills themselves."

When asked about the timing of ending the filibuster, she replied, "We have not set a specific time. We will make a decision after sufficient discussion." Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can continue until the end of the session. The current extraordinary session lasts for 30 days, so the People Power Party can potentially conduct a filibuster for up to one month.

Lee Chulgyu, a member of the People Power Party, is conducting an unlimited debate (filibuster) on the amendment to the National Intelligence Service Act at the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has also decided to participate in the filibuster. In response to a question about whether the ruling party also plans to join the filibuster, spokesperson Hong stated, "About four members have been confirmed for the (National Intelligence Service Act) filibuster: Kim Byungki, Hong Ikpyo, Oh Gihyung, and Kim Kyunghyup." The longest filibuster in history was conducted by the Democratic Party from February 23 to March 2, 2016, in opposition to the Anti-Terrorism Act, and lasted for 192 hours and 25 minutes.