[Editorial] Ruling party alone forms committees; reform Legislation Committee to prevent recurrence

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has unilaterally moved to form the leadership of the 22nd National Assembly's second half, appointing committee chairpersons for 11 out of 18 standing committees, including the crucial Legislation and Judiciary Committee. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) responded by submitting resignations from standing committee memberships and boycotting the vote.

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We have endured as much as we can.

This unilateral action by the DPK breaks a long-standing convention of power-sharing for committee chairmanships, which has been observed since the 13th National Assembly in 1988. The PPP's refusal to participate in negotiations led to this outcome, which the DPK argues was unavoidable given the urgent need to address pressing public issues. However, the move escalates political confrontation and risks further paralyzing the National Assembly.

The article criticizes both parties for their political maneuvering, stating that neither the ruling party's lack of political leadership nor the opposition's insistence on hardline stances without alternatives can be excused. It emphasizes that the ongoing dispute over the formation of the National Assembly cannot continue indefinitely while pressing public livelihood issues are neglected.

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This is arrogant politics that shows no respect for the minority party, and old-fashioned backroom politics.

A core issue highlighted is the recurring conflict over the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. This position, which has been a point of contention since the 17th National Assembly, has repeatedly led to legislative paralysis. The article argues for a fundamental overhaul of how this chairmanship is decided, suggesting new approaches such as the ruling party holding the chairmanship regardless of its seat count, or separating the committee's legislative review function to eliminate the incentive for such intense competition.

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The claim that they will create a 'working National Assembly' is a blatant lie. This reappointment is to appease President Lee Jae-myung's 'royal order' to pass the special prosecutor bill for the cancellation of prosecution.