South Korean Parliament Standoff Over Committee Chair Appointment

South Korea’s National Assembly is locked in a heated dispute over the appointment of the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Speaker Cho Jung‑ryeol issued an ultimatum, demanding the opposition People Power Party (PPP) submit its list of committee members by noon on June 29, or face unilateral action.

Democratic Party leader Han Byeong‑do warned that if the PPP does not comply, “we will proceed with the committee composition unilaterally according to parliamentary law.” The PPP rejected the move as “legislative dictatorship,” accusing the ruling party of using intimidation instead of negotiation. Both sides remain entrenched, with talks stalled and a planned luncheon meeting under the speaker’s chair unlikely to produce a breakthrough.

The clash highlights deep partisan tensions in the legislature, as each side insists on controlling key committee positions that shape the legislative agenda.