Kim Yeji Holds 17-Hour 35-Minute Filibuster Using Braille Terminal, Receives Encouragement from Both Parties

"Rule of Law Is a Social Safety Net," Kim Stresses
Han Donghoon Also Offers Support on Social Media

Kim Yeji, a member of the People Power Party, staged an overnight unlimited debate (filibuster) lasting more than 17 hours in opposition to the so-called "National Inquiry into Fabricated Prosecution Allegations" being pursued by the Democratic Party of Korea.

Kim Yeji, a member of the People Power Party, is conducting an unlimited debate in opposition to the agenda item approving the "National Inquiry Plan for Investigating Allegations of Fabricated Prosecution by Political Prosecutors under the Yoon Seok-yeol Administration," which was submitted the previous day, during the second plenary session of the March extraordinary session held at the National Assembly on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Assemblywoman Kim finished her debate on the "Agenda Item for Approving the National Inquiry Plan for Investigating Allegations of Fabricated Prosecution by Political Prosecutors under the Yoon Seok-yeol Administration" at around 10:18 a.m. on this day. This was 17 hours and 35 minutes after she took the podium the previous afternoon.

Visually impaired, Assemblywoman Kim continued her remarks by using a braille information terminal containing her prepared materials. Throughout the lengthy debate, she persevered by drinking water and stretching, warning about the impact that the Democratic Party’s destruction of the judicial system could have on the disabled and other vulnerable groups.

Kim emphasized, "If the independence of investigative agencies is shaken, the standards of the law will also be shaken. When the standards of the law are shaken, the negative consequences inevitably fall upon the people. In particular, since these consequences most directly and severely impact those who rely on laws and institutions—namely, the disabled and vulnerable groups—we must bear an even greater responsibility."

During her remarks, Kim briefly paused, appearing to choke up as she said, "In fact, people (with disabilities and vulnerable groups) are often unaware that they are already suffering these consequences." She added, "That is precisely why the rule of law is not a system for the strong but is the minimum social safety net for the weak."

Kim also stated, "What the people have entrusted to the National Assembly is a torch that shines on the truth, not bars that confine political opponents. An inquiry that has already accepted the erroneous premise of fabrication is not a true national inquiry." She continued, "I sincerely hope that the world does not become a place where the violence of the majority committed in the name of politics is more frightening than the blade of the prosecution."

After stepping down from the podium upon concluding her speech, Assemblywoman Kim received words of encouragement from lawmakers across party lines. Not only did Yoo Sangbeom, the People Power Party’s Chief Deputy Floor Leader, and Im Eija, Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Planning and Finance Committee, offer encouragement, but so did Democratic Party members such as Maeng Sungkyu, Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee who presided over the session; Kim Yongmin, the ruling party's secretary on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee; and Seo Youngkyo, Chairperson of the Special Committee on the National Inquiry into Fabricated Prosecution Allegations under the Yoon Seok-yeol Administration, all saying, "Well done."

Former party leader Han Donghoon also sent a message of support through Facebook. He wrote, "Assemblywoman Kim’s filibuster may not be able to stop unjust laws. However, it serves as a clear record of the anger and determination of society’s vulnerable, who would be harmed by these unjust laws."

A former pianist, Assemblywoman Kim entered the 22nd National Assembly as a proportional representative, continuing her legislative work following her tenure in the 21st National Assembly.

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