"Rushed Passage of Government Organization Act... A 'Lee Jaemyung Protection' Bill"
"Restructuring Organizations for Political Purposes Paralyzes Executive Functions"
On September 22, the People Power Party strongly criticized the government organization act amendment, which is expected to be passed at the plenary session under the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, calling it a "biological experiment on the executive branch." In an effort to block the ruling bloc's legislative drive, the People Power Party is considering a filibuster (unlimited debate) not only for contentious bills but for all bills.
Choi Eunseok, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party's floor, met with reporters after the policy members' general assembly held at the National Assembly that afternoon and said, "All standing committees believe there are many problems with the bills, making it difficult to agree," adding, "We are leaning toward filibustering all bills."
Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is delivering a speech at the Policy Members' General Assembly held at the National Assembly on September 22, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
However, the final course of action will be decided at the general assembly scheduled for September 24. Choi stated, "We were unable to reach a conclusion regarding the filibuster at this week's plenary session," and added, "We will hold another general assembly on Wednesday to gather opinions and determine the direction of our response."
The People Power Party held a policy members' general assembly from 3:00 p.m. for about one hour and fifteen minutes to discuss countermeasures against the Democratic Party's push for the government organization act amendment.
Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, commented during the assembly on the government organization restructuring, saying, "They take the process of moving one ministry to another too lightly," and asserted, "Restructuring that splits and merges ministries solely for political purposes, without considering the organic functions of the organization, risks paralyzing the executive branch."
He then targeted the Democratic Party, saying, "There were factions even in the Joseon Dynasty, and there was an opposition party during the military regime," and added, "To attempt to eliminate the opposition in the 21st century is to abolish freedom and eradicate democracy in the Republic of Korea."
Seo Beomsoo, the People Power Party's secretary for the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, criticized the government and ruling party's restructuring plan, saying, "Trying to pass everything within ten days is hasty and unilateral." Seo pointed out, "The government organization act amendment was proposed on September 15 and referred to the Public Administration and Security Committee on the 17th. With the aim of passing it at the plenary session on the 25th, it was passed through the committee today," and protested, "All committee schedules were not coordinated but were handled unilaterally."
He also raised concerns about the restructuring of investigative agencies, including prosecution reform, saying, "The public is not being considered at all. The only goal is to pass it at the plenary session on the 25th, making the government organization act amendment a 'Lee Jaemyung protection bill.'"
He questioned the investigative capabilities of the police, saying, "Do the police or the prosecution have the strength to withstand pressure from those in power? The police do not have that level of resilience," and stressed, "Ultimately, investigations will inevitably be conducted according to the preferences of those in power." He added, "Whether it is the prosecution, the police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the National Investigation Headquarters, or the Public Prosecutors' Office, there must be mechanisms for checks and balances."
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