National Assembly Plenary Disrupted by Democratic Party Actions
On December 12, the National Assembly plenary session and presidential office schedules faced complete disruptions due to Democratic Party floor leader Jeong Cheong-rae’s legislative moves and alliances with hardline factions. Lawmakers single-handedly advanced controversial bills through the Legislation and Judiciary Committee the previous night, overriding opposition from legal experts and rival parties.
Key measures included the Trial Venue Change Bill and the Supreme Court Justice Expansion Bill. A planned lunch meeting between Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and Justice Party leader Yeo Yae collapsed, while a special committee’s inaugural session on U.S.-related legislation ended after just 20 minutes.
Swift Passage Amid Boycotts
The plenary proceeded without People Power Party participation, highlighting tensions over perceived disregard for public sentiment. Justice Party officials hailed the outcome as a “breakthrough from presidential office and assembly cooperation.” However, they expressed concerns that Jeong had “blindfolded” their members to advance prosecutorial reforms.
Hardline Democratic Party figures, including former Justice Minister Chu Mi-ae, strengthened these bills late on December 11. Jeong endorsed them alongside three other judicial reforms, such as restructuring the court administration office, declaring “no hurdles—passage expected in the National Assembly by February.”
Ruling Party Backlash and Citizen Concerns
People Power Party lawmakers condemned the bills as “regime attempts to seize judicial control” and measures to “delay this president’s trials for 2-3 weeks.” They boycotted the plenary and the inter-party lunch.
In the session, attended only by Democratic Party-aligned groups, 63民生 bills passed, including limits on inheritance for abusers and essential medical special laws to address regional disparities. Yeo Yae criticized the moves.
Democratic Party representatives responded, “Promises to citizens and the leader amount to not even a speck.” A People Power spokesperson countered, “If unaware the presidential office sought bill strengthening, Jeong serves as this leader’s ‘axeman.'”
Ongoing Tensions Over Reforms
Debates persist on prosecutorial restructuring, with Democratic Party leadership insisting the prosecutorial chief aligns with education chief roles under public administration law. Critics warn of risks in naming changes, potentially invalidating reforms.
Analysts note Jeong’s aggressive tactics echo threats during August leadership elections. Insiders reveal reluctance to publicly challenge, with one mid-level member stating, “Personally tolerable, but too conspicuous—no one dares speak out.” Another highlighted, “Jeong and hardliners treat education issues as hostages for legislative gains.”
Even exposed rifts show presidential aides rejecting lunch proposals. Top officials oppose participation, signaling prolonged standoffs. Political observers predict, “Inter-leadership summits remain difficult in the near term.”
