Democratic Party Reporter Tests Positive for COVID-19... Unprecedented 'Shutdown' of the National Assembly

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 26th, a reporter who covered the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council meeting tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

A National Assembly official stated in the afternoon, "A reporter covering the Democratic Party tested positive," and added, "An emergency meeting of the National Assembly's COVID-19 response task force will be held."

The reporter who tested positive covered the Democratic Party Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly that morning, which was attended by party leader Lee Hae-chan and floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon, among other leadership members.

The party leadership entered self-quarantine from the afternoon of the same day when it became known that the reporter had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual. The Democratic Party is reportedly considering a 'proxy authority system' to fill the leadership vacuum.

A 'National Assembly shutdown' is also anticipated. Currently, the National Assembly has disinfected and closed the press room and the party leader's meeting room, which the reporter accessed. The closure of the Members' Office Building is under discussion.

Future National Assembly schedules are expected to face significant disruptions. Many incumbent lawmakers, including the Democratic Party leadership, must undergo COVID-19 testing and enter self-quarantine until the test results are confirmed. Consequently, the ongoing budget session schedule will inevitably be affected.

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