Hanbok vs. Mourning Attire:
Opening Ceremony of the First Regular Session
Highlights Divided Political Symbolism
Democratic Party Lawmakers Embrace Hanbok,
People Power Party Protests in Black Suits
Intense Standoff Expected Over Special Prosecutor Act,
Budget Bill, and Cabinet Hearings
The first regular session of the National Assembly under the Lee Jaemyung administration opened on September 1, and from the very first day, the ruling and opposition parties engaged in a show of force over attire at the opening ceremony.
At the opening ceremony of the regular National Assembly session held on the 1st, ruling and opposition party lawmakers wearing hanbok and mourning clothes respectively are saluting the national flag. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
According to political sources on this day, the majority of lawmakers from the broad progressive bloc-including Speaker Woo Wonshik, the Democratic Party of Korea, and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party-attended the opening ceremony of the regular session in hanbok. This was at the suggestion of Democratic Party lawmaker Baek Hyeryeon, who, along with Speaker Woo and the National Assembly leadership, requested that both ruling and opposition lawmakers wear hanbok.
Most Democratic Party lawmakers wore blue jeogori or durumagi, reflecting the party's color. Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, also attended in hanbok, holding a fan. Some lawmakers drew attention by wearing gat or carrying fans, and Democratic Party lawmaker Mo Kyungjong, dressed as a grim reaper, became a focal point among his colleagues. Lawmakers in hanbok exchanged well-wishes and gathered in small groups to take commemorative photos in a friendly atmosphere before the ceremony.
Photo sessions among Democratic Party lawmakers continued after the opening ceremony. Lawmaker Park Chandae wore a blue durumagi inscribed with a letter in Hangul that King Sukjong sent to his mother, Queen Myeongseong. An aide explained, "As seen in the Hangul written by the king, it symbolizes change and transition in the times." Park also took photos with fellow party members Jin Sungjoon and Kang Sunwoo.
Speaker Woo, dressed in a hanbok with a gray base and purple hue, remarked in his opening address, "It is unfortunate that not everyone could wear hanbok due to various difficulties, but I believe this marks the beginning of introducing hanbok to the world."
In contrast, People Power Party lawmakers, who had announced they would wear mourning clothes in protest against the ruling party, appeared in the main chamber wearing black suits with mourning ribbons pinned to their jackets. Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, explained at a party meeting before the session, "Wearing black ties and mourning ribbons at today's opening ceremony is a renewed commitment to oppose the dictatorial politics of the Lee Jaemyung administration, which is destroying parliamentary democracy." Chief spokesperson Park Sunghoon stated, "We want to strongly show the public that democracy has died as of this moment," adding, "We will strongly condemn the ruling bloc and fight alongside the new leadership."
People Power Party lawmakers watched the Speaker's address with stern expressions. Some were seen leaving the chamber during the address and returning after the session.
With the handling of the 'Stronger Special Prosecutor Act,' as well as bills on prosecution, judicial, and media reform ahead, the ruling and opposition parties are expected to continue their intense standoff. In addition, confrontations are likely to intensify over the new government budget bill, cabinet confirmation hearings, and the motion to arrest People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seongdong, for whom the special prosecutor has requested an arrest warrant on charges of illegal political fundraising.
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