Ruling Party and Government Discuss Institutional Improvements Related to 'Nosuk Demonstrations'...Consensus on 'Strict Law Enforcement'

The People Power Party and the government have decided to supplement the regulations related to assemblies and demonstrations in response to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Construction Union's 1-night 2-day general strike resolution rally.

On the afternoon of the 21st, the party and government held a high-level party-government consultation meeting at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, where they shared concerns about the Construction Union's 'overnight assembly' and discussed response measures.

From the party side, Representative Kim Ki-hyun, Floor Leader Yoon Jae-ok, and Policy Committee Chair Park Dae-chul attended, while from the government side, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho, and Commissioner of the National Police Agency Yoon Hee-geun participated. From the Presidential Office, Chief Secretary Kim Dae-ki and Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Lee Jin-bok were present.

The consultation meeting was held privately for about an hour.

During the meeting, the party and government pointed out that many problems related to assemblies and demonstrations were revealed due to the 'overnight assembly' and reportedly agreed on the need to supplement institutional shortcomings related to assemblies and demonstrations.

On the 14th, participants are moving for a commemorative photo before the High-level Party-Government Meeting held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Specifically, amendments related to noise regulation, nighttime assemblies, and banner installation were reportedly discussed.

The party and government also reportedly reached a consensus on the need for 'strict law enforcement' against illegal assemblies that infringe on the freedoms of other citizens, cause inconvenience, and disrupt daily life.

Earlier, the Construction Union held a large-scale rally around Sejong-daero in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 16th and 17th. During this event, some participants caused controversy by laying mats, plastic sheets, and tents and staying overnight.

Floor Leader Yoon said in a press briefing after the floor countermeasure meeting on the 19th, "Regarding nighttime demonstrations, the Constitutional Court ruled that appropriate restrictions should be imposed," adding, "The National Assembly is neglecting its duties by not enacting laws that appropriately restrict activities causing inconvenience to the public during late-night hours."

He further stated, "While guaranteeing the freedom of assembly and demonstration, legislative supplementation is necessary for parts that cause inconvenience to the majority of the public."

Prime Minister Han also emphasized at the National Affairs Ministers' Meeting on the same day, "The government will hold those responsible for illegal assemblies that exceed the scope permitted by the Constitution and laws strictly accountable," and added, "We will also seek institutional improvement measures for assemblies and demonstrations that cause significant inconvenience to the daily lives of many citizens."

Accordingly, the party and government are expected to push for the passage of existing proposed bills while also beginning to prepare supplementary measures related to the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

Floor Leader Yoon had previously proposed an amendment to the Assembly and Demonstration Act in June 2020, specifying the prohibited hours for assemblies and demonstrations from midnight to 6 a.m., so the People Power Party is expected to promote the passage of this bill.

The party and government are also expected to discuss supplementary measures to regulate nighttime assemblies and demonstrations disguised as 'cultural events' and to prohibit or restrict similar assemblies by groups with a history of illegal assemblies.

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