Republic of Korea National Assembly
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| Republic of Korea National Assembly | |
|---|---|
| Name | National Assembly of the Republic of Korea |
| Native name | 대한민국 국회 |
| Legislature | 21st National Assembly |
| House type | Unicameral |
| Foundation | 1948 |
| Leader1 type | Speaker |
| Leader1 | Kim Jin-pyo |
| Party1 | Democratic Party of Korea |
| Seats | 300 |
| Last election | 2020 |
| Meeting place | National Assembly Building, Seoul |
Republic of Korea National Assembly
The National Assembly is the unicameral legislature of the Republic of Korea, established in 1948 and seated at the National Assembly Building in Seoul. It acts as the principal lawmaking body in the First Republic, continuing through the April Revolution and the June Struggle into the contemporary political order dominated by parties such as the Democratic Party of Korea, the People Power Party (South Korea), and smaller formations. The Assembly's composition, powers, and procedures have been shaped by landmark events including the Korean War, the Yushin Constitution, the June 29 Declaration, and the transition to a strengthened legislature after the 1987 Constitution.
History
The Assembly convened first under the United States Army Military Government in Korea in 1948 following the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea recommendations and the Republic of Korea presidential election, 1948. Early sessions confronted the Jeju Uprising aftermath and wartime legislation during the Korean War (1950–1953). Periods of authoritarian control under leaders like Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee saw curtailment by instruments such as the National Security Law and the Yushin Constitution (1972), while mass movements including the Gwangju Uprising and the June Democracy Movement forced constitutional reforms. The Assembly’s role evolved through the administrations of Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Lee Myung-bak, and Moon Jae-in, with impeachment proceedings against Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye underscoring legislative checks on the Presidency.
Structure and Composition
The Assembly comprises 300 members: 253 constituency representatives and 47 proportional representatives, drawn from parties such as the Justice Party (South Korea), the Bareunmirae Party, and regional blocs like those in Gyeonggi Province and Busan. Eligibility and terms are set under the 1987 Constitution and electoral statutes administered by the National Election Commission (South Korea). Leadership includes the Speaker of the National Assembly, two Deputy Speakers, frontbench leaders of parliamentary clubs, and a secretariat led by the National Assembly Secretariat.
Powers and Functions
Constitutional powers derive from the 1987 Constitution: lawmaking, budget approval, treaty consent, and oversight including impeachment. The Assembly can pass or amend statutes such as revisions to the Framework Act on Education, budgetary bills impacting the Ministry of Economy and Finance (South Korea), and consent to international agreements like the Korea–United States Status of Forces Agreement. It exercises oversight through interpellations of Cabinet members including the Prime Minister of South Korea and can initiate impeachment through the Constitutional Court of Korea process that removed President Park Geun-hye.
Electoral System
Members are elected via a mixed-member system combining single-member districts with proportional allocation; reforms in 2019 adjusted the proportional formula affecting parties like the Platform Party (2020). Voting and registration are regulated by the Public Official Election Act and supervised by the National Election Commission (South Korea). Notable elections include the 2016 South Korean legislative election and the 2020 South Korean legislative election, where debates over the proportional representation mechanism, the role of satellite parties, and thresholds for minority parties influenced seat distribution.
Legislative Process
Bills may be introduced by members, committees, or the Government of South Korea; signature thresholds and committee referrals determine progression. Key steps include first reading, committee deliberation—often in the Legislative and Judiciary Committee or Strategy and Finance Committee—plenary debate, and promulgation by the President of South Korea after passage. The Assembly handles urgent measures during crises such as the Asian Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, using special procedures and emergency budget enactments.
Committees and Leadership
Permanent committees reflect policy domains: Strategy and Finance, Education, Science and Technology, National Defense, Foreign Affairs and Unification, and others. Special committees—on issues like political reform or the 4·16 Sewol Ferry Disaster—are convened as needed. Committee chairs are apportioned according to party strength; majority and minority floor leaders coordinate legislation and negotiation with Cabinet ministers such as the Minister of National Defense (South Korea) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs (South Korea). The Speaker presides over plenary sessions and represents the Assembly in interactions with international bodies like the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Relationship with the Executive and Judiciary
Checks and balances involve oversight tools (interpellation, hearings), budgetary control, and impeachment proceedings referred to the Constitutional Court of Korea. The Assembly’s consent is required for treaties and high-level appointments subject to confirmation, shaping relations with Presidents such as Moon Jae-in and Yoon Suk-yeol. Judicial review by the Constitutional Court and rulings from the Supreme Court of Korea mediate disputes over legislative competence, as seen in cases concerning the National Security Law and electoral redistricting disputes adjudicated by the judiciary.