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 has announced that it plans to submit a resolution urging 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 Wonshik."

Han Jeongae, Policy Committee Chair, also criticized Deputy Speaker Joo during the meeting, saying, "Some are saying that the People Power Party's filibuster is just making things harder for people's livelihoods," and added, "Unlimited filibusters on non-contentious bills, as well as the Deputy Speaker from the People Power Party refusing to preside during his own party's filibuster, amount to a refusal to fulfill his legal duties."

Previously, Deputy Speaker Joo did not preside over the filibuster that took place over four days from December 11 to 14. Although the National Assembly's presidium consists of one Speaker and two Deputy Speakers, only Speaker Woo Wonshik and Deputy Speaker Lee Hakyoung took turns presiding, as Deputy Speaker Joo refused to do so.

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 currently in discussions with the Speaker as to whether the plenary session will be held on the 21st or the 22nd," and added, "I expect the bill to establish a special court for insurrection cases will be the first item on the agenda." Regarding the plenary vote on the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill, he said, "It will be physically difficult to process it within the year."