Political and Social Affairs Reporter Jang Moon-ki
When asked if the terms 'National Assembly' and 'dignity' go together in our country, how many would answer affirmatively? The National Assembly, comprised of 300 representatives of South Korea's 51.6 million citizens, must embody dignity as it determines the nation's direction.
There have indeed been moments when the National Assembly has demonstrated its dignity. Even within the context of the 22nd National Assembly, there were notable instances. The night of the December 3 emergency martial law was a prime example of a dignified assembly. A significant moment occurred when Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, was allowed into the main assembly hall, despite not being a sitting member at the time. In a chaotic situation, opening the doors of the assembly hall—accessible only to lawmakers—for a colleague who might be arrested showcased a relinquishing of privilege and a display of dignity.
Members of the National Assembly who climbed over the walls to demand the lifting of martial law, along with then-Speaker Woo Won-sik, who patiently ensured procedural legitimacy during a critical time, upheld the dignity of South Korea's democracy that night.
Similarly, the efforts of lawmaker Kim Ye-ji, who engaged in an unlimited debate for 17 hours and 35 minutes while using Braille to record her opposition to a government investigation pushed by the ruling party, exemplified the dignity of a representative standing in the assembly. Her struggle to document dissent against the majority's agenda highlighted the role of lawmakers as representatives of the people.
However, it is regrettable that the 22nd National Assembly did not consistently maintain its dignity. There have been instances where members have disrespected their colleagues, undermining the assembly's integrity. A notable incident occurred in April when members of the Democratic Party disregarded lawmaker Kim Gun's speech during a session, opting instead to take a commemorative photograph. Regardless of the discomfort with a colleague's remarks, lawmakers must listen to one another, as they all represent the public.
Listening to others during official meetings and refraining from interruptions is a lesson even elementary school students understand. Yet, members of the National Assembly have resorted to jeering and shouting down colleagues, even taking photographs with their backs turned to a speaking member. Such behavior, which would be unacceptable in a classroom, tarnishes not only the assembly's dignity but also the respect owed to the public.
It is also concerning that committee chairs frequently order members to leave. In committees where discussions and deliberations are essential for sound legislation, expelling a member is akin to dismissing the citizens they represent. Whether from the ruling party or the opposition, all lawmakers represent the public. Suppressing them through position and authority is not dignified politics.
On June 5, the new leadership of the National Assembly was elected, marking the official preparation for the second half of the 22nd National Assembly. This upcoming session faces numerous pressing issues, including the allocation of committee positions among negotiating groups and investigations into the Central Election Management Commission's failures during the June 3 local elections. While there is a general consensus between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the need for investigations, concerns remain about differing agendas. It is crucial for the assembly to demonstrate its dignity by prioritizing the public's interests over party politics in addressing this unprecedented infringement on citizens' voting rights.
The Standard Korean Dictionary defines politics as 'the act of governing a country.' While the pursuit of power to govern is included in a broad definition of politics, the essence of politics lies in effectively managing the state to fulfill its obligations. With the elections concluded, it is hoped that 'political time' will now commence. As a citizen rather than a reporter, I still believe that the National Assembly is a place that upholds the dignity of our nation.
There have indeed been moments when the National Assembly has demonstrated its dignity. Even within the context of the 22nd National Assembly, there were notable instances. The night of the December 3 emergency martial law was a prime example of a dignified assembly. A significant moment occurred when Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, was allowed into the main assembly hall, despite not being a sitting member at the time. In a chaotic situation, opening the doors of the assembly hall—accessible only to lawmakers—for a colleague who might be arrested showcased a relinquishing of privilege and a display of dignity.
Members of the National Assembly who climbed over the walls to demand the lifting of martial law, along with then-Speaker Woo Won-sik, who patiently ensured procedural legitimacy during a critical time, upheld the dignity of South Korea's democracy that night.
Similarly, the efforts of lawmaker Kim Ye-ji, who engaged in an unlimited debate for 17 hours and 35 minutes while using Braille to record her opposition to a government investigation pushed by the ruling party, exemplified the dignity of a representative standing in the assembly. Her struggle to document dissent against the majority's agenda highlighted the role of lawmakers as representatives of the people.
However, it is regrettable that the 22nd National Assembly did not consistently maintain its dignity. There have been instances where members have disrespected their colleagues, undermining the assembly's integrity. A notable incident occurred in April when members of the Democratic Party disregarded lawmaker Kim Gun's speech during a session, opting instead to take a commemorative photograph. Regardless of the discomfort with a colleague's remarks, lawmakers must listen to one another, as they all represent the public.
Listening to others during official meetings and refraining from interruptions is a lesson even elementary school students understand. Yet, members of the National Assembly have resorted to jeering and shouting down colleagues, even taking photographs with their backs turned to a speaking member. Such behavior, which would be unacceptable in a classroom, tarnishes not only the assembly's dignity but also the respect owed to the public.
It is also concerning that committee chairs frequently order members to leave. In committees where discussions and deliberations are essential for sound legislation, expelling a member is akin to dismissing the citizens they represent. Whether from the ruling party or the opposition, all lawmakers represent the public. Suppressing them through position and authority is not dignified politics.
On June 5, the new leadership of the National Assembly was elected, marking the official preparation for the second half of the 22nd National Assembly. This upcoming session faces numerous pressing issues, including the allocation of committee positions among negotiating groups and investigations into the Central Election Management Commission's failures during the June 3 local elections. While there is a general consensus between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the need for investigations, concerns remain about differing agendas. It is crucial for the assembly to demonstrate its dignity by prioritizing the public's interests over party politics in addressing this unprecedented infringement on citizens' voting rights.
The Standard Korean Dictionary defines politics as 'the act of governing a country.' While the pursuit of power to govern is included in a broad definition of politics, the essence of politics lies in effectively managing the state to fulfill its obligations. With the elections concluded, it is hoped that 'political time' will now commence. As a citizen rather than a reporter, I still believe that the National Assembly is a place that upholds the dignity of our nation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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