Kim Byungki Criticizes People Power Party Filibuster: "Neglecting Livelihood and Reform... Will Swiftly Pass Broadcasting Act"

Plan to Proceed Without Further Negotiations
on the Yellow Envelope Act and Other Key Bills

On August 5, Kim Byungki, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the ongoing filibuster (unlimited debate) regarding the Broadcasting Act on the floor of the National Assembly, claiming, "They have turned a blind eye to the people's livelihood and reforms, blinded by partisan interests."

At the party's floor countermeasures meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Kim stated, "The People Power Party paralyzed the plenary session with a filibuster as soon as the amendment to the Broadcasting Act was introduced. Even at this very moment, they are continuing with meaningless talk," reiterating his criticism.

He emphasized that key legislative issues such as the three broadcasting laws, the Yellow Envelope Act (amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union Act), and the second amendment to the Commercial Act need to be handled, but the People Power Party's filibuster is causing delays.

Kim further declared, "The Democratic Party will end the filibuster today through a vote," and stressed, "We will process the amendment to the Broadcasting Act swiftly."

The People Power Party launched the filibuster at 4:03 p.m. the previous day, protesting that "the three broadcasting laws are the ruling party's attempt to control broadcasting." According to the National Assembly Act, debate can be ended through a vote 24 hours after the start of the filibuster, allowing for the bill to be put to a vote.

Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on August 5, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Meanwhile, regarding the dismantling of loudspeakers installed in the forward area toward North Korea, Kim stated, "Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen in proportion to the volume of the loudspeakers," and added, "Reducing loudspeaker activity between the two Koreas will accelerate peace on the peninsula."

He continued, "As expected, the People Power Party is once again reacting angrily and opposing this," and urged, "What exactly do we gain from the loudspeakers toward North Korea? The People Power Party should stop making irrational and anachronistic arguments."

The Democratic Party has made it clear that there will be no further negotiations on the Yellow Envelope Act. Kim Hyunjung, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, told reporters after the meeting, "The People Power Party is expected to launch a filibuster after the introduction of the Broadcasting Foundation Act, so during the August extraordinary session from the 21st to the 24th, we will open a plenary session of the National Assembly to process the remaining four key bills."

She added, "We have already discussed the matter thoroughly and even held a press briefing on the Yellow Envelope Act," and emphasized, "We will proceed as scheduled."

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