Ruling and Opposition Parties Fail to Narrow Differences on Media Law... Reunion Before Plenary Session on the 30th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The ruling and opposition parties failed to narrow their differences regarding the amendment to the Media Arbitration Act during their meeting on the 29th. The parties agreed to reconsider whether to table the Media Arbitration Act before the plenary session on the 30th.

The Democratic Party and the People Power Party held a meeting of floor leaders chaired by National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok to discuss the handling of the Media Arbitration Act amendment, but they could not reach an agreement. The floor leaders of both parties announced after the afternoon meeting that they would meet again at 4 p.m. on the 30th, before the National Assembly plenary session convenes. Accordingly, the plenary session originally scheduled for 4 p.m. on the 30th was postponed to 5 p.m.

Yun Ho-jung, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said, "After the party caucuses tomorrow, we will meet again at 4 p.m. to continue discussions," adding, "I mentioned convening the full committee, but the opposition expressed opposition to this." Kim Gi-hyeon, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "What is being discussed now is the so-called 'Media Gag Law,' referring to the Media Arbitration Act," and added, "We fully explained the opposition party's stance on the various problems of the bill pushed by the ruling party."

Regarding questions about the establishment of a 'social consensus body' advocated by media organizations, Floor Leader Yun said, "If the media law is tabled tomorrow, it might be difficult," and added, "A final decision will be made after 4 p.m. tomorrow." Speaker Park responded, "We are continuing efforts to narrow differences. The ruling and opposition parties are continuously attempting dialogue."

Meanwhile, Floor Leader Kim said regarding the possibility of tabling other contentious bills such as the Private School Act besides the media law, "It is not our position to filibuster (unlimited debate) such bills," but added, "We will follow procedures to clearly express opposition."

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