Why Did the People Power Party Summon Kim Hyung-o in 2008?

Kim Emphasizes Cooperation... Urges Grand National Party to Refrain from Forcing Plenary Session
Kim Jin-pyo Calls for Mediation... Ruling Party: "Will You Become a Half-hearted Speaker?"
Weekend Negotiations Expected Between Both Parties' Floor Leaders on Committee Formation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] The People Power Party (PPP) floor leadership, currently in a standoff with the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) over the second half of the National Assembly’s organization, has invoked former Speaker Kim Hyung-o, who was the Speaker-designate in 2008. This move aims to urge Kim Jin-pyo, the current Speaker-designate, to mediate as the DPK pushes to hold the opening session and elect the Speaker unilaterally.

Song Eon-seok, the PPP’s floor deputy leader, held an emergency press briefing at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 28th, stating, “When our party (then the Grand National Party, the predecessor of the PPP) was in power in 2008, former Speaker Kim opposed the majority party unilaterally forcing the election of the Speaker, deeming it inappropriate, and postponed the convening of the extraordinary session by mutual agreement between the ruling and opposition parties.” He criticized the DPK’s demand to convene the extraordinary session. At the issue review meeting on the 30th, he added, “Former Speaker Kim emphasized cooperation with the minority party, so although it took some time, the election date was postponed, and Kim was elected Speaker. This proud tradition of cooperation has collapsed in the 21st National Assembly,” pressuring the DPK.

Seong Il-jong, the PPP’s Policy Committee Chair, also emphasized the 2008 precedent after the meeting, saying to reporters, “When Kim Hyung-o was elected Speaker in 2008, he himself blocked the election, insisting that the ruling and opposition parties reach an agreement.”

The first half of the 18th National Assembly in 2008, mentioned by the PPP leadership, was marked by intense political tension over the opening session, similar to the current situation. At that time, the Grand National Party, the dominant ruling party, was considering holding a plenary session on July 4, the last day of the extraordinary session, to elect the Speaker unilaterally. However, Kim, who was designated as Speaker from the same party, maintained a negative stance. He discouraged the unilateral opening, saying, “It is undesirable to elect the Speaker while some opposition parties are absent.” He also urged the Grand National Party to “proceed with negotiations more thoroughly.” Ultimately, by mutual agreement between the ruling and opposition parties, the plenary session was held three days later on July 10, and Kim was formally elected Speaker.

Song Eon-seok, the Senior Deputy Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 1st and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The PPP’s reminder of the past case is intended to pressure Speaker-designate Kim Jin-pyo to prevent the DPK from forcing the opening session and unilaterally electing the Speaker. Deputy Leader Song said, “Does Speaker-designate Kim want to become Speaker as a result of the Democratic Party’s absolute majority’s unilateral legislative dictatorship? Or does he want to be a respected Speaker who sets a new standard for cooperation?” urging Kim to clarify his position.

In a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 2nd, Deputy Leader Song explained, “There has never been a case where one party unilaterally held a plenary session and elected the Speaker. I publicly questioned whether Kim Jin-pyo will be a half-hearted Speaker or a full Speaker through bipartisan consultation like former Speaker Kim Hyung-o.”

The DPK and PPP continue to clash over who will hold the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee for the second half of the National Assembly. The DPK proposed forming a ‘Special Committee on Judicial Reform’ and withdrawing the Constitutional Court lawsuit in exchange for conceding the chairmanship to the PPP, but the PPP maintains a ‘no negotiation’ stance. As a result, the election of the Speaker and the opening session deadline of May 30 have passed by more than a month with no progress.

The DPK has postponed the plenary session schedule once, from the 1st to the 4th. With PPP floor leader Kwon Seong-dong returning on the 2nd after attending the Philippine president’s inauguration, it is expected that a private meeting will be held over the weekend to continue negotiations on the organization of the National Assembly.