Unexpected Absences Among Democratic Party Lawmakers... 'Prosecution Reform Follow-up Bills' Barely Pass National Assembly

At One Point, Attendance Fell to the Minimum Quorum of 150

As the unexpected absences of Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers continued, legislation related to the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office and the establishment of the Major Crime Investigation Office (Jungsoo-cheong) and the Prosecution Office narrowly passed the National Assembly.

On the 17th, a plenary session of the National Assembly is being held at the National Assembly building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Dongju Yoon

On the 17th, the National Assembly processed around 20 related amendments, including the Major Crime Investigation Office and Prosecution Office Acts and the Criminal Procedure Act, revising wording and provisions in line with reforms to the criminal justice system.

Initially, it was expected that these bills would easily pass the plenary session since the Democratic Party of Korea and allied parties held more than 180 seats. However, after lawmakers from the People Power Party and some from allied parties left the chamber, the number of lawmakers present at one point dropped to 150---the minimum quorum required for a vote.

In response, the Democratic Party of Korea issued an emergency summons via text to its members. The party announced, "The People Power Party is boycotting the vote to defeat the bills. Due to a potential lack of quorum, voting may become difficult," and urged, "Any lawmakers not in the chamber should return to the plenary hall immediately."

At the same time, outside the chamber, Junho Chun, chief secretary for floor operations, was busy calling lawmakers who had left. Inside, Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers remaining in the hall protested to People Power Party lawmakers, who were attempting to drop below the quorum, urging them to "sit down" and "vote."

Eventually, as Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers joined after completing their outside schedules and People Power Party lawmakers also returned for the passage of non-contentious livelihood bills, the number of lawmakers present increased to the 200s around 3:45 p.m.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.