Jang Dong-hyuk's 24-Hour Filibuster... Jung Sung-ho Observes, Says 'Dialogue and Compromise Are Missing in Our Politics'

[Financial News] For the first time in constitutional history as the leader of the main opposition, Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party took the podium for a filibuster (an unlimited debate to legally delay proceedings). As Jang completed a full 24 hours, setting a new record for the longest filibuster, another figure also drew attention.

That figure was Minister of Justice (MOJ) Jung Sung-ho of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), who, unusually for a cabinet member, remained in the plenary chamber to listen to Jang's remarks.

Eighteen hours into the filibuster, Minister Jung posted a photo on his Facebook account, writing, "Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party is continuing the debate alone. I am also still seated in the cabinet section," and added, "This is the reality of our politics, where dialogue and compromise are missing."

He continued, "Before blaming anyone, I hope we can reflect on ourselves and consider what kind of politics truly serves the people, and what parliamentary democracy really means. It is a faint hope, but I wish for such reflection."


At around 11:40 a.m. the previous day, Jang Dong-hyuk began his filibuster in the National Assembly's plenary session on the Special Court for Insurrection Act (a special bill concerning criminal procedures for crimes such as insurrection, treason, and rebellion).

Led by the DPK, the bill calls for the establishment of at least two dedicated panels each at the Seoul Central District Court and Seoul High Court to handle cases such as those involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection charges. The composition and related matters of these special panels are to be determined entirely by Supreme Court of Korea regulations.

Following a motion to end the filibuster by the DPK and other allied parties, the filibuster automatically concluded at 11:40 a.m., exactly 24 hours after it began. The bill then passed the plenary session through a vote.


y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter