Final Showdown Between Ruling and Opposition Parties on Last Day of Regular National Assembly Session

Standoff Intensifies Over National Assembly Act Amendment
Filibuster Showdown Expected Even on Non-Controversial Bills

The ruling and opposition parties engaged in a final power struggle ahead of the plenary session on December 9, the last day of this year's regular National Assembly session. The Democratic Party of Korea is refining its strategy to introduce non-contentious livelihood bills and contentious bills such as the amendment to the National Assembly Act. The People Power Party plans to respond with a filibuster regardless of the bills on the table.

A key official from the Democratic Party told The Asia Business Daily on the same day, "If the opposition responds with a filibuster even to non-contentious bills, it becomes meaningless which bills are brought forward or not," adding, "We could even submit the bill to limit filibusters."

Kim Byung-ki, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on December 9, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

If non-contentious bills are introduced, more than 60 bills-including the special semiconductor law, which was agreed upon by both parties in the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee-are expected to be brought to the plenary session. Contentious bills include the amendment to the National Assembly Act, which would allow the Speaker to end a filibuster (unlimited debate) if fewer than one-fifth of all lawmakers, or 60 members, are present, and the amendment to the Outdoor Advertising Act, which would strengthen the management of party banners containing hate or defamatory expressions.

The People Power Party plans to respond to all bills with a filibuster. Since the Democratic Party can introduce the amendment to the National Assembly Act at any time, the party intends to keep all options open. The People Power Party criticized, "The amendment to the National Assembly Act is a law that would neutralize even the only means of resistance available to minority opposition parties." Choi Eunseok, Senior Spokesperson for the People Power Party, said after the floor strategy meeting, "Although this is a matter to be decided at the floor leaders' meeting, since there is a possibility that contentious bills could be introduced tomorrow, we do not rule out a filibuster on livelihood bills."

Song Eonseok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party's policy meeting held at the National Assembly on December 9, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

As the final strategic maneuvering intensifies, the plenary session strategies of both parties are expected to be decided at a meeting of floor leaders presided over by National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik. Even if an agreement is reached to process non-contentious bills at this meeting, the possibility of confrontation between the parties remains. The Democratic Party plans to pass all contentious bills, including the amendment to the National Assembly Act and the bill to establish a special court for insurrection cases, during the December extraordinary session, meaning the conflict could continue through the end of the year. The People Power Party plans to launch a public campaign through filibusters even if the amendment to the National Assembly Act is passed.

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