A resolution calling for the expulsion of Lee Jin-sook, a member of the People Power Party, amid controversy over her remarks regarding the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, passed in the National Assembly on August 26. A total of 36 bills, including non-controversial livelihood legislation, were also approved.
During the plenary session, the resolution was passed with 157 votes in favor, 1 against, and 1 invalid vote out of 159 registered members. This move is expected to escalate the Democratic Party's offensive against Lee.
Most members of the People Power Party, except for a few such as Han Ji-a, Woo Jae-jun, Jo Kyung-tae, Kim Ye-ji, and Kim Hyung-dong, abstained from the vote and left the assembly hall. In response, Democratic Party members condemned their absence, demanding, "Vote and leave!" and calling for Lee's resignation.
Chun Jun-ho, the Democratic Party's floor leader, stated after the resolution was introduced, "Despite concerns from her party, Lee held a forum where outrageous comments were made about the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, labeling it as a contamination of the 87 system and a riot." He added that such discussions could only be viewed as historical distortion and called for Lee's expulsion for violating her constitutional duties and the dignity of her role as a representative of the people.
Additionally, the assembly agreed to conduct a national audit during the regular session of the National Assembly in 2026. A bill to amend the National Assembly Act to include the head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency in the personnel hearing process also passed, with 214 votes in favor out of 228 registered members, while the amendment to the Personnel Hearing Act received 210 votes in favor, with 5 against and 13 abstentions.
A bill prohibiting the use of terms like "warehouse" and "factory" in pharmacy names also passed with 205 votes in favor out of 212 registered members.
Meanwhile, the special law for Yongsan Park, intended to support government real estate supply, was postponed due to a lack of agreement between the ruling and opposition parties. After a meeting with the leadership of both parties, Chun stated, "We will respond flexibly based on the discussions between Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon," indicating that the bill was deprioritized for the plenary session.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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