Han Byung-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "If the People Power Party (PPP) ultimately fails to submit its list (of members for standing committees to form the National Assembly), the Democratic Party will make a unilateral decision to ensure compliance with the National Assembly Act."

During the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly today (June 24), Floor Leader Han said, "The deadline set by the National Assembly Speaker for completing the formation of the assembly is right around the corner."

As negotiations for the assembly's formation remained deadlocked, Speaker Woo Won-shik urged both ruling and opposition parties to "submit the list of members for the standing committees by noon on June 24."

"The deadline stipulated by the National Assembly Act has already passed," Han pointed out. "While the People Power Party continues to harp on about the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and stall for time, public livelihood bills are piling up."

He added, "Do not even dream of continuing to hold the 22nd National Assembly hostage in its latter half."

Meanwhile, referring to the first parliamentary investigation conducted by the National Assembly yesterday regarding the shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections, Han emphasized, "The Democratic Party will prioritize immediate institutional improvements, such as revising the Public Official Election Act. In the mid-to-long term, we will lead a national consensus—including constitutional amendments (to allow for external oversight of the National Election Commission)—to ensure that new laws are not constrained by an outdated constitution."

(Photo: Yonhap News)