Discussion on Promoting 'Suspension of Duties' Bill for Assembly Members After 5·18 Denial Debate

Currently, discussions regarding the expulsion of assembly members are impossible because the National Assembly's Ethics Committee has not been formed. The absence of the Ethics Committee makes direct disciplinary action against unethical conduct by members difficult, and consequently, there is no appropriate disciplinary procedure when issues such as the 5·18 denial debate arise. Spokesperson Cho Gye-won stated that direct discussions on expulsion are impossible in the current situation.

Kim Min-seok, a Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is leading the promotion of a bill to suspend the duties of assembly members. This bill's main content is to maintain the assembly member's position but suspend their duties with the consent of a majority of the National Assembly. This aims for a strong sanction effect equivalent to effectively depriving a member of their position, and it has been prepared as an indirect countermeasure to the current impossibility of expulsion.

If the newly proposed bill for suspending the duties of assembly members passes, it is highly likely to be applied to members who have engaged in acts denying the spirit of 5·18. Not only within the Democratic Party but also within the People Power Party, there is agreement on including 5·18 in the constitutional preamble, which is expected to create an atmosphere of zero tolerance for anti-constitutional behavior. Spokesperson Cho Gye-won predicted that the firm will of Party leader Kim Min-seok and the consensus within the National Assembly would lead to action.

It was emphasized that the National Assembly is a space where debates should take place within constitutional values and order. Spokesperson Cho Gye-won strongly criticized extremists for holding debates arbitrarily in the National Assembly. He particularly asserted that acts denying the spirit of 5·18 are considered a denial of our constitutional values and thus constitute an unacceptable debate in the National Assembly.

The Democratic Party of Korea announced its aim for substantive politics that can respond to the public effectively and in content, beyond merely loud politics in the main session hall. Spokesperson Cho Gye-won emphasized that they would continue parliamentary activities in this direction and strive to gain the trust of the public. This demonstrates the party's will to enhance political effectiveness.

The Democratic Party of Korea's Kim Min-seok leadership stated that they would definitely achieve the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration through unity, harmony, and integration. Furthermore, they presented a firm goal of winning the upcoming general election and re-establishing government based on this cohesion. This is interpreted as a message declaring the party's future vision and solidarity both domestically and internationally.