On August 4, rival parties in the National Assembly reignited fierce confrontation over proposed amendments to the Broadcasting Act, leading to the return of a legislative filibuster for the first time in nearly a year.

The Democratic Party of Korea described the bill as legislation “returning broadcasting to the public,” and moved to put it on the floor for a vote. In contrast, the People Power Party condemned the bill as an attempt to “seize control of broadcasting,” and initiated a filibuster—an unlimited debate tactic—to stall its passage. As a result, the Assembly entered into a “filibuster standoff,” reminiscent of last July's political impasse.

Once the bill was tabled in the plenary session on August 4, the People Power Party triggered the filibuster, while the Democratic Party signaled determination to force a vote within 24 hours. Moon Jin-seok, Senior Deputy Floor Leader for the Democratic Party, stressed that the bill—which had previously been blocked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s veto—must pass this time.

Members of the People Power Party voiced strong opposition. Representative Shin Dong-wook called the bill “a media-choking law on par with the press consolidations under the military regime of the 1980s.” He argued it would serve primarily to provide positions for pro-Democratic Party civic groups and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, dismissing it as “not a reform, but a Democratic Party broadcasting project.”

In contrast, the Democratic Party stated the amendment aims to enhance the public responsibility of broadcasters and secure editorial independence. Representative Kim Hyun, speaking for the party, explained the bill’s core feature: to expand the board of directors of public broadcasters and diversify nominating bodies, insisting that “broadcasting must be returned to the people.”

The showdown over the Broadcasting Act is expected to continue through the afternoon of August 5, with the pro-government bloc—having secured over 180 seats—planning to forcibly end the debate and proceed to a vote after the 24-hour mark.

Once the Broadcasting Act is addressed, a string of contentious bills—including amendments to the Foundation for Broadcast Culture Act, the Korea Educational Broadcasting System Act, the Yellow Envelope Act, and the Commercial Act—are set to be debated at the National Assembly in August.

Notably, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae has made clear his intent to drive forward the “three major reforms,” including media reform, since taking office, further complicating cross-party cooperation.

The Democratic Party has also vowed to swiftly advance legislation on prosecutorial and judicial reforms, while the People Power Party has warned of strong resistance.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News