DPK: "Special Counsel on Fabricated Indictments to Be Addressed in Caucus... Agenda Yet to Be Finalized"

Han Byungdo: "Announcing a filibuster even before bills are finalized"

On September 29, the Democratic Party of Korea confirmed its position that it will pursue the special prosecutor bill on fabricated indictments through a general assembly of its lawmakers.

Kim Seonghoe, Floor Spokesperson of the Democratic Party, told reporters after the party's floor countermeasures meeting that day, "The special prosecutor bill on fabricated indictments and related matters will be addressed through the general assembly. No specific item has been finalized yet."

Kim added, "The general assembly will hold a comprehensive discussion regarding items to be submitted to the plenary session," and that "(the items) are still under negotiation between the ruling and opposition parties."

Byungdo Han, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th, delivering an opening remark. 2026.09.17 Photo by Dongju Yoon

Previously, there had been speculation that the Democratic Party would push for votes on key controversial bills, such as the special prosecutor bill on fabricated indictments, during the plenary session scheduled for October 1. Considering the schedule for the plenary session and the upcoming parliamentary inspection, some predicted that handling the bills on October 1 would be inevitable. In response, opposition parties such as the People Power Party suggested that if the special prosecutor bill on fabricated indictments is forced through, President Lee Jaemyung's prosecution could be dropped, and that they would launch an unlimited debate (filibuster) and other delaying tactics.

Regarding the party's internal atmosphere on handling the special prosecutor bill, Kim stated, "It is not the stage where we can declare what will be done since discussions between ruling and opposition parties are underway," adding, "Negotiations will continue until the plenary session, and we ask for your understanding."

Byungdo Han, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party, also said in a public statement that day, "Even though no legislative agendas have been finalized yet, the People Power Party has already announced its intent to filibuster each controversial bill," criticizing this as "a textbook case of unreasonable obstructionism."

Han continued, "What the public sentiment during Chuseok demanded was policies for people's livelihoods, not political conflict. I am sure the People Power Party heard the same message." He went on to say, "Nevertheless, announcing the intent to block legislation during the first plenary session right after Chuseok is tantamount to openly defying the people's mandate." He urged, "The People Power Party should stop the wasteful political strife and prioritize improving the people's livelihoods by cooperating on passing the bills."

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