The ruling party postponed the Media Arbitration Act processing to next month... but their stubbornness remains unbroken

Discussion to Form Media and Civil Society Council Scheduled

Yun Hojung (left), floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Kihyun (right), floor leader of the People Power Party, are meeting on the 31st in the Speaker's office, presided over by Speaker Park Byeongseok. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Jeon Jinyoung, Park Juni] The ruling and opposition parties, which had been at an impasse over the amendment to the Media Arbitration Act, have chosen a strategic truce for the time being. On the 31st, both parties agreed to form a Media-Civil Council, where media and civilians will jointly discuss the amendment, and decided to continue further discussions. As a result, the handling of the Media Arbitration Act will be postponed to the September National Assembly session.

Yoon Hojung, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said after the meeting of floor leaders presided over by the Speaker of the National Assembly in the morning, "It seems that there has been significant convergence of opinions. We will gather party opinions to ensure a final agreement between the two parties." Kim Gi-hyun, the floor leader of the People Power Party, stated, "We are making every effort to reach a consensus between the two parties," adding, "We will return to our parties to obtain the consent of the lawmakers and meet again in the afternoon to finalize the agreement."

The People Power Party had maintained its position of not agreeing to the revised bill proposed by the Democratic Party the previous day, as it still included provisions for punitive damages and the right to request article access blocking. However, it appears they accepted the formation of the Media-Civil Council as it would buy more time. The Democratic Party is also expected to have no difficulty agreeing to the formation of the council, as it can proceed with the passage of other bills such as the Private School Act and the Medical Service Act in the August plenary session, excluding the Media Arbitration Act.

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