Ruling Party Pushes Broadcasting Act at Plenary Session as Opposition Plans Filibuster (Comprehensive)

Democratic Party to Decide July Session Priority Bills at Afternoon Caucus
Chair Choi Minhee: "Jung Cheongrae Prioritizes the Three Broadcasting Bills"

On August 4, the National Assembly will convene a plenary session to vote on several contentious bills, including the Broadcasting Act. The Democratic Party of Korea has announced plans to push through key bills such as the Yellow Envelope Act (Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act), amendments to the Commercial Act mandating cumulative voting for companies with assets of 2 trillion won or more, and the so-called "three broadcasting bills" that would expand the boards of public broadcasters. The People Power Party has signaled its intention to counter these moves with tactics such as filibustering (unlimited debate).

According to political sources on this day, the Broadcasting Act is expected to be the first item on the agenda among the three broadcasting bills. Although the Yellow Envelope Act was initially expected to be addressed first, the situation has shifted. An opposition official stated, "The Democratic Party will ultimately decide which bill to address first, but it appears they will start with the three broadcasting bills." Choi Minhee, chair of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, also posted on social media, "Party leader Jung Cheongrae's sense of efficacy, prioritizing the three broadcasting bills."

Given the characteristics of the filibuster, which guarantees at least 24 hours of debate (Article 106-2, Paragraph 6), and the fact that the July extraordinary session ends on August 5, it is expected that only one key bill will be processed. The Democratic Party plans to decide which bill to prioritize during the July session at a caucus meeting in the afternoon.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th. 2025.8.4 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The People Power Party strongly objected to the ruling party's plan to push through the bills.

Song Eonseok, interim leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, said at an emergency party meeting at the National Assembly, "Sustained stock market growth is impossible through the forced passage of stronger Commercial Act amendments or the Yellow Envelope Act," adding, "Efforts to enhance the intrinsic and fundamental value of companies, along with institutional support from the government, are essential."

Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on August 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Kim Jungjae, the People Power Party's chief policy officer, criticized, "The Democratic Party is reportedly deliberating which of the five notorious bills to process first. This is not a trivial matter like choosing a lunch menu; it is truly absurd." Kim further pointed out, "It is hard to express in words the public's anger and frustration upon hearing that the so-called three broadcasting control bills, the illegal Yellow Envelope Act, and the stronger Commercial Act?which will have a significant impact on people's lives, press freedom, and the future economy?are being treated like menu options based on political interests."

The People Power Party decided to determine its response based on which bill is first introduced at the plenary session. Park Sunghoon, the party's chief spokesperson, said, "Traditionally, the floor leader has been the first to launch a filibuster, but no decision has been made yet." The People Power Party is reportedly preparing for a filibuster and other measures in anticipation of the Broadcasting Act being tabled.

According to the National Assembly, there are about 20 bills eligible to be brought to the plenary session. However, given the standoff between the ruling party's push for passage and the opposition's filibuster, it remains uncertain which bills will ultimately be tabled. Among the bills cleared by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and eligible for consideration are the Grain Management Act and the Act on Distribution and Price Stabilization of Agricultural and Fishery Products (the Agricultural Products Act).