Byungdo Han Meets Woo Won-shik: "Opposition Filibustering Supported Bills... Reform Needed"

Byungdo Han, Newly Appointed Floor Leader, Pays Courtesy Visit to Speaker Woo Won-shik
Woo Won-shik: "I Hope for Prompt Meeting Between Ruling and Opposition Floor Leaders"

Byungdo Han, the newly appointed floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-shik and emphasized the need to improve the filibuster (unlimited debate) law.

Byungdo Han, the newly appointed floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (left), is paying a courtesy visit to Woo Won-shik, Speaker of the National Assembly, on January 12, 2026, at the National Assembly. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

On January 12 at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Floor Leader Han paid a courtesy visit to Speaker Woo and stated, "I respect the opposition party's use of the filibuster as a legitimate means to delay proceedings, and I believe filibusters are necessary." However, he added, "But when the opposition initiates a filibuster on bills they themselves support, or when it becomes so disruptive that the vice speaker or the speaker can hardly preside over the session, I believe this deviates from the true purpose of a legitimate filibuster."

Recently, the People Power Party has responded to all bills brought to the plenary session, including those related to judicial reform promoted by the Democratic Party, by launching filibusters. During the plenary session held from December 11 to 14 last year, People Power Party Vice Speaker Joo Ho-young refused to preside over the filibuster, leaving only Speaker Woo and Democratic Party Vice Speaker Lee Hak-young to chair the session.

Floor Leader Han also said, "When the speaker is presiding, there should be an option to delegate the chair to a standing committee chair or another member, or, regarding the issue of only one or two lawmakers remaining in the chamber during a filibuster, we could require at least one-fifth of the members to be present. I believe these kinds of legislative revisions are necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the National Assembly."

After his meeting with Speaker Woo, Floor Leader Han told reporters that, in response to concerns about opposition within the ruling bloc to revising the filibuster law, "The use of the filibuster is being distorted, such as by holding livelihood bills hostage or filibustering bills that the opposition actually supports, rather than legitimately delaying proceedings. I believe that if we put our heads together, we can find a sufficient compromise."

Speaker Woo told Floor Leader Han, "As we proceed with negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties regarding contentious bills, I hope a meeting between the Speaker and the floor leaders of both parties can be arranged as soon as possible. There are many issues to discuss regarding the January extraordinary session and the operation of the National Assembly."

Additionally, Speaker Woo emphasized that revising the National Referendum Act should be a key agenda item in preparation for constitutional amendment. He said, "If we are in a situation where there are calls for constitutional amendment for stronger democracy and balanced regional development, but cannot proceed because the National Referendum Act has not been revised, then the National Assembly is not fulfilling its duties, nor is it acting in good faith toward the people."