{"id":2205608,"date":"2024-06-28T17:22:35","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T08:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2205608"},"modified":"2024-07-01T19:27:52","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T10:27:52","slug":"why-the-fight-for-south-koreas-parliamentary-committees-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/06\/why-the-fight-for-south-koreas-parliamentary-committees-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"Why the fight for South Korea’s parliamentary committees matters"},"content":{"rendered":"

A power struggle between South Korea\u2019s ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition Democratic Party (DP) over parliamentary committee leadership paralyzed the 22nd National Assembly for nearly a month.<\/p>\n

The PPP started boycotting key committee sessions in late May, protesting the DP\u2019s monopolization of two powerful organs: the judiciary and steering committees. The dispute also included the Science and Broadcasting Committee, which holds significant policy implications.<\/p>\n

With its parliamentary majority, the DP insisted on securing 11 out of the 18 standing committees. Conversely, the PPP argued that convention dictates the second-largest party should chair the judiciary committee and the president\u2019s party should lead the steering committee.<\/p>\n

Earlier this week, the PPP conceded, agreeing to lead seven out of 18 permanent committees and failing to secure leadership positions in the three core committees. PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho expressed his intention to resign due to this failure.<\/p>\n

For entities impacted by South Korean legislative decisions, it is important to understand the responsibilities and authorities of parliamentary committee leaders and members. Korea Pro<\/em> explains the types of permanent parliamentary committees in South Korea, the duties and benefits of chairing a committee, and why certain committees hold greater importance to the two major parties.<\/p>\n

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People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho announces his decision to accept its leadership of seven standing parliamentary committees, June 24, 2024 | Image: People Power Party<\/p><\/div>\n

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE STRUCTURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

South Korea’s National Assembly comprises 18 standing committees, including a budget review committee that became permanent in 2000 despite being referred to as \u201cspecial.\u201d Each committee comprises a varying number of elected members, including representatives from minor parties outside the parliamentary negotiation groups.<\/p>\n

Temporary special committees can be formed by combining committees to address significant legislative matters that fall under their collective jurisdiction. These special committees typically operate for a set period before disbanding.<\/p>\n

Historically, the judiciary and steering committees wield the most power, and this holds true for the current 22nd National Assembly.<\/p>\n

The judiciary committee acts as the final gatekeeper for all legislation before the plenary session, reviewing the legal structure and wording of bills passed by other committees. This committee plays a crucial role in pursuing special investigations, such as those potentially targeting the first lady or President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s closest aides.<\/p>\n

The steering committee oversees the National Assembly\u2019s overall operations and supervises the Presidential Office\u2019s operation, such as Yoon\u2019s decision to move the presidential office from the Blue House to Yongsan, symbolizing the parliament\u2019s check-and-balance role and playing a significant role in executive oversight.<\/p>\n

Each committee has jurisdiction over specific ministries and government departments, conducting tasks such as national audits, work plan reviews and regular interpellation sessions that question ministries and top administration officials on record.<\/p>\n

These committees often demand answers and information from ministerial-level officials, particularly in sensitive areas like national defense, land and foreign affairs. They can sometimes demand the disclosure of classified information.<\/p>\n

Government departments, the military and sometimes corporations are expected to respond diligently to these inquiries. When government branches fail to provide satisfactory explanations for certain issues, journalists often turn to these committees, asking lawmakers to intervene and obtain the required information.<\/p>\n