Han Byung-do calls second half of 22nd Assembly 'watershed moment' for South Korea's future

Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said Thursday that the newly begun second half of the 22nd National Assembly would be one that "runs without rest and delivers results in proportion to its efforts."

Han made the remarks at a party lawmakers' workshop held at Dragon City Hotel in Seoul, calling the second half of the Assembly — particularly through the end of this year — "another watershed moment that will determine the future of South Korea."

"We will complete the legislative agenda for the key state affairs of the Lee Jae Myung administration by the end of this year," he said. He added that the Thursday workshop was meant to unite the party, government and presidential office and reaffirm the ruling party's responsibility to see through its livelihood legislation without delay.

Turning to the seven National Assembly standing committees left to the opposition, Han said he had heard "a great deal of concern" from relevant ministries about whether key legislative priorities could be pushed through in time.

He then signaled once again that the party would move ahead with revisions to the National Assembly Act — centered on tightening the requirements for a filibuster (a legal procedural tactic using unlimited debate to obstruct legislation) and shortening the fast-track period for expedited bills — saying, "We will use legal amendments to prevent anything wrongful from happening, so there is no need to worry."