Woo Won-sik's Filibuster Forced to Stop... People Power Party's Protest Turns into Chaos

The filibuster (unlimited debate) to block the vote on the Special Prosecutor Act for Chaesangbyeong has passed 24 hours, prompting the Speaker of the National Assembly to request a halt. However, the ruling party continued the debate, and the standoff persisted.

On the 4th at 3:50 p.m., Speaker Woo Won-shik asked Gwak Gyu-taek, a member of the People Power Party, "The unlimited debate on the Marine Corps Special Prosecutor Act has passed 24 hours," and requested, "Please conclude the debate."

In response, Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "Since Gwak's speech is still ongoing, it cannot be stopped," and stated that the speech could continue.

Democratic Party members in the plenary hall shouted, "Stop it," and "Come down." Despite this, as Gwak continued speaking, the volume of the remarks escalated with phrases like "I said stop it," and "Expel him."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Floor leader Choo and People Power Party members gathered in front of the podium to protest, leading to clashes between ruling and opposition party members.

The Democratic Party sent notices to each member, requesting them to immediately enter the plenary hall and prepare for the upcoming votes to end the unlimited debate and on the Special Prosecutor Act.

According to Article 106 of the National Assembly Act, a motion to end debate is decided by a secret ballot after 24 hours have passed. If three-fifths (180 members) of the total members vote in favor, the debate can be ended. The opposition coalition's 192 seats are sufficient for this.

The Special Prosecutor Act passes if it receives the approval of a majority of the total members. The Democratic Party, holding 171 seats out of 300, can pass the bill on its own. Once passed by the National Assembly, the bill is sent to the government. President Yoon Seok-yeol is highly likely to exercise his veto power within 15 days. If the veto is exercised, the Special Prosecutor Act returns to the National Assembly for a re-vote.