Democratic Party to Submit Resolution Urging Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young's Resignation: "Refused to Preside Over Filibuster"

Moon Geumjoo of the Democratic Party:
"Neglected Duties by Refusing to Preside Over the Filibuster"

The Democratic Party of Korea announced that it plans to submit a resolution calling for the resignation of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Joo Ho-young, a member of the People Power Party, for not presiding over the filibuster (unlimited debate) during the National Assembly plenary session.

Kim Byung-ki (right), floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, are talking with Joo Ho-young, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, after a meeting with Woo Won-shik, Speaker of the National Assembly, at the National Assembly on December 9, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

After the Democratic Party’s floor countermeasures meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 16th, Moon Geumjoo, the party’s floor spokesperson, told reporters, “We plan to submit a resolution today urging Deputy Speaker Joo to resign,” adding, “Deputy Speaker Joo neglected his duties by refusing to preside over the filibuster in place of Speaker Woo Won-shik.”

Han Jeongae, Policy Committee Chair, also criticized Deputy Speaker Joo at the meeting, saying, “There are even claims that the People Power Party’s filibuster is just an attempt to harm the livelihoods of the people. The unlimited filibuster on non-controversial bills and the refusal of the Deputy Speaker from the People Power Party to preside during his own party’s filibuster both constitute a rejection of his legal responsibilities.”

Previously, Deputy Speaker Joo did not preside over the three-night, four-day filibuster that took place from December 11 to 14. The National Assembly’s presiding officers consist of one Speaker and two Deputy Speakers, but with Deputy Speaker Joo refusing to preside, only Speaker Woo Won-shik and Deputy Speaker Lee Hakyoung took on the role.

Meanwhile, with the People Power Party announcing plans to launch a second filibuster when the plenary session is held at the end of this month, the Democratic Party intends to propose the bill to establish a special court for insurrection cases as the first agenda item. Floor spokesperson Kim stated, “We are still coordinating with the Speaker whether the plenary session will be held on the 21st or 22nd,” adding, “I believe the bill to establish a special court for insurrection cases will likely be the first item on the agenda.” Regarding the comprehensive special prosecutor bill, he said, “It will be physically difficult to handle it within the year.”