[Editorial] Failure to Pass the Semiconductor Special Act This Year: A Pathetic Display of Politics

The Semiconductor Special Act and other livelihood and economic bills are unlikely to be passed this year due to ongoing political strife. With the ruling and opposition parties locked in confrontation over the Cloture Rule and the Unification Church Special Prosecutor Act, it has become virtually impossible for these bills to pass the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea within the remaining time.
This is truly tiresome politics. Year after year, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea has wasted time in endless bickering, showing no sign of reflection even as the year ends. Lawmakers have squandered precious time snarling at each other instead of working. At this point, the country might be better off without its politicians or parliament. Lawmakers who contribute nothing but consume public resources should be held accountable for dereliction of duty.
What is the Semiconductor Special Act? The world is engaged in a so-called 'chip war,' with countries staking their futures on fierce competition in semiconductor development. Taiwan, the USA, and Japan are all in the race, and China, a latecomer, is closing in on Korea through massive investments. Korea, once the world’s leading comprehensive semiconductor powerhouse, now struggles even to maintain its position in the top two or three.
The Semiconductor Special Act submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea was only agreed upon after more than a year of debate between the parties over exceptions to the 52-hour maximum workweek regulation. Valuable time has already been wasted. It is astonishing that the bill is now being delayed again because of unrelated legislation, which has nothing to do with economic development or improving people’s livelihoods.
If you look closely, the various special prosecutor bills and the Cloture Rule stem from the misdeeds of politicians themselves. As their wrongdoings come to light, both parties are clashing to shape the laws in their own favor. In the process, urgent livelihood and economic bills, which are critical for the nation and its people, are being held hostage and sacrificed. This is unacceptable.
The final plenary session of the year is scheduled for the 30th at the earliest. That leaves just two days. The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea should prioritize passing urgent bills like the Semiconductor Special Act as soon as the session opens, and only then proceed to address other legislation.
If these major livelihood and economic bills are not passed now, there is no guarantee they will be dealt with promptly in the new year. With ongoing fierce disputes over the Unification Church investigation and the first trial verdict for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, further delays are likely. As more time passes, the local election season will begin, making political compromise even more difficult amid mutual attacks and slander.
There is little time left in this year. Even if politicians are urged to reduce wasteful political strife in the new year, they are unlikely to listen. No matter how much the problems of Korean politics are pointed out and criticized, it falls on deaf ears. The situation is so hopeless that there is nothing left to expect from Korean politics.
All we can ask is that bills essential for the lives of the people and the national economy not be held hostage and be processed quickly. The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and its politicians, who are responsible for the country’s development, must not become obstacles to the economy and people’s livelihoods.
It is said that on Christmas Day, a self-employed person did not receive a single customer. Not only the self-employed, but all citizens are struggling with soaring prices and rising housing costs. Business owners are losing sleep over concerns about next year’s management due to the worsening global environment. If politicians understood these circumstances even a little, they would not allow politics to descend to such a low point.