South Korea’s National Assembly grapples with contentious committee assignments

The 22nd National Assembly completed its composition after a 54‑day delay, with Speaker Shim Jae‑chul visiting the Seoul National Cemetery and urging a shift toward a people‑focused parliament. While the assembly entered normal operation, each standing committee faces sharp partisan battles over issues such as the prosecution’s investigative powers, single‑stock leveraged ETFs, fast‑track legislation reforms, and other high‑profile policy areas.

Simultaneously, members of the ruling People Power Party protested the allocation of committee seats. Several lawmakers demanded explanations for what they saw as unfair assignments, resulting in a heated confrontation with party leadership that escalated to a physical altercation. Party officials emphasized that committee placement authority rests with the floor leader and warned that disciplinary action could follow. The disputes underscore deep intra‑party tensions and broader partisan conflict as South Korea’s legislature begins its term.