Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash Over 5·18 Discussion Event at National Assembly

On October 30, the ruling and opposition parties clashed during a National Assembly inspection of the National Assembly Secretariat and the National Assembly Library over the approval process for a discussion event held by Lee Jin-sook of the People Power Party in August, which focused on the 5·18 Democratic Movement. The Democratic Party pressed National Assembly Library Director Hwang Jeong-geun on whether personal political considerations influenced the event's approval, while the People Power Party countered that preventing the event would amount to censorship.

During the inspection, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yoon questioned Director Hwang, asking, "Isn't it true that meetings or events that could damage dignity are not permitted according to regulations?"

In response, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Mi-ae argued, "We should not act as if we are preemptively censoring. If there are illegal aspects, they should be addressed within the legal framework afterward, as is the essence of democracy and the rule of law." Director Hwang also stated, "As those supporting the members of the National Assembly, it is difficult for us to judge whether an event hosted by a member of the National Assembly would damage the dignity of the Assembly."

Towards the end of the inspection, a confrontation occurred between Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's Management Committee Chairman, and Kim Tae-kyu of the People Power Party. Chairman Han stated, "After all the questions from committee members were completed, Kim Tae-kyu unleashed abusive language and attended this session. His extreme verbal attacks against the chair are an insult not only to me but to the Democratic Party and the public as well."

In response, Kim Tae-kyu shouted back, "(Chairman Han) is blocking the remarks of opposition members, which is a challenge to the Republic of Korea and its people."