People Power Party to Filibuster Amendment to the Speech and Press Arbitration Act... 'Inevitable Clash Between Ruling and Opposition'

Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party (second from the left), is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 26th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] As the National Assembly plenary session is scheduled for the 30th, the ruling People Power Party has introduced a filibuster (unlimited debate) over the amendment to the "Act on the Press Arbitration and Remedies for Damage" (Press Arbitration Act), anticipating a 'strong confrontation' between the ruling and opposition parties.

Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at the Supreme Council meeting on the morning of the 26th, "We will demand unlimited debate to block the passage of the Press Arbitration Act amendment as much as possible."

Regarding the reason for the filibuster, Floor Leader Kim explained, "Because it is a bill that infringes on press freedom and controls and censors the media, fundamentally violating the public's right to know," adding, "The Democratic Party of Korea claims to protect against fake news, but since the definition of fake news is ambiguous, it is obvious that those in power will arbitrarily decide what is fake or real."

To block the amendment to the Press Arbitration Act, the People Power Party plans to file a filibuster as well as petitions for adjudication of authority disputes and constitutional review with the Constitutional Court.

Floor Leader Kim demanded a clear stance from President Moon Jae-in regarding the Press Arbitration Act amendment. He pointed out, "President Moon, who has repeatedly said like a parrot that press freedom must be guaranteed, has recently been reclusive," and added, "I believe it is only natural and befitting of a supreme leader to show the public his conviction and philosophy regarding this anti-constitutional gag law on the press. If he continues selective silence, it is no different from admitting that the president is the commander-in-chief orchestrating a silence cartel to muzzle the press." Although President Moon stated in a congratulatory message on the 57th anniversary of the Korea Journalists Association on the 17th that "As long as the press exists for the citizens, press freedom cannot be shaken by anyone," he has not issued an official position on the Press Arbitration Act amendment. The Blue House has drawn a line by saying it is "a matter decided through in-depth discussions in the National Assembly."

Despite opposition from the People Power Party, if the Press Arbitration Act amendment is passed in the plenary session, a sharp political chill between the ruling and opposition parties is inevitable. The Democratic Party has requested the convening of the full committee, urging all members of the National Assembly to gather for discussion. The full committee is a system that allows all members of the National Assembly to participate and re-examine a bill before or after it is submitted to the plenary session after passing through the committee. Shin Hyun-young, floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said at a meeting with reporters after the policy coordination meeting that "(The full committee) can be requested before the plenary session starts, so we will prepare during the remaining period before the 30th."

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