The Democratic Party of Korea is pressing to finalize the appointment of 18 standing committee chairs by Wednesday at noon [1], [2].
This push aims to resolve a legislative stalemate and ensure the National Assembly is fully operational by July [4]. The struggle centers primarily on the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, a powerful position that both the ruling and opposition parties are fighting to control [1].
Floor leader Han Byung-do (Democratic Party) said the party is prepared to make a decision to take responsibility for all committee chair positions. He said this is necessary for stable state administration and the recovery of public livelihoods during the second year of the Lee Jae-myung government [3].
While the National Assembly speaker has set the final deadline for the submission of the names for Wednesday at noon [1], the two sides remain at odds over the specific distribution of power. Rep. Jung Chung-rae (Democratic Party) said a decision should be made as quickly as possible and suggested that the party could move to a vote if an agreement is not reached [1].
The party's urgency is driven by the desire to establish a "working parliament" starting in July [4]. By securing the chair positions, the Democratic Party hopes to steer the legislative agenda more effectively as the government enters its second year [3].
Observers note that the Legislation and Judiciary Committee is particularly critical because it acts as a gateway for most bills before they reach the floor for a final vote [1]. The Democratic Party maintains that the position must be held by the opposition to ensure proper checks and balances [1].
“"Decision is the better the earlier it is, if there is no agreement, we can vote."”
The deadlock over the Legislation and Judiciary Committee reflects a broader power struggle in the South Korean National Assembly. Because this specific committee can effectively block or fast-track legislation, control over its chair determines which party holds the primary lever of legislative influence. A failure to reach a consensus by the Wednesday deadline could lead to a forced vote, potentially deepening the partisan divide as the government enters its second year.
