Press Releases
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National Assembly engages in parliamentary diplomacy at the 2025 Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations
National Assembly engages in parliamentary diplomacy at the 2025 Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations- Official letters from Speaker Woo Won-shik delivered to the UN Secretary-General, and the Speakers of Côte d'Ivoire and Indonesia’s Lower Houses- France expresses interest in Korea’s impeachment process, presidential election prospects, and post-martial law public attitudes- Côte d'Ivoire expresses gratitude for Korea’s support and cooperation, hopes for visit from Korean SpeakerThe National Assembly delegation of the Republic of Korea continued its active parliamentary diplomacy on Feb. 14 (local time) at the 2025 Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations in New York.The two-day meeting, held on Feb. 13-14, focused on learning the status and outlook of each country in terms of its achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and discussing the role of parliaments in the process. The Republic of Korea’s delegation, led by lawmaker Lee Jae-jung (Democratic Party of Korea), included Cha Ji-ho (Democratic Party) and Kwak Kyu-taek (People Power Party).During bilateral meetings with delegations from France, Côte d'Ivoire, and Indonesia, members of the Korean delegation underlined the stability of the Republic Korea, especially how it successfully overcame the martial law situation, and emphasized the robustness of Korea’s democratic and economic systems. The delegation also requested that Speaker Woo Won-shik’s official letter be delivered to the respective parliamentary leaders of the three countries.French Senator Xavier Iacovelli, who led the French delegation, expressed keen interest in how the Korean people are reacting to the situation following the country’s martial law declaration, and praised Korea’s resilience in overcoming this difficult period. Meanwhile, Côte d'Ivoire’s delegation leader, Wonsebeo Innocent Youte, expressed appreciation for Korea’s assistance and cooperation, and conveyed a desire for Speaker Woo to visit the country. Mardani Ali Sera, head of the Indonesian delegation, highlighted the tremendous influence of K-culture in Indonesia and reiterated the two countries’ close bilateral relationship.In addition, the Korean delegation met with the Chief of Staff to the UN Secretary-General, during which they discussed Korea’s international responsibility and the importance of multilateralism. They also delivered Speaker Woo Won-shik’s official letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. During a break in the meetings, lawmaker Lee Jae-jung met with Myanmar Senators Win Myat Aye and Myat Thida Tun to discuss ways to bolster cooperation between the two countries.After additional meetings with the delegations from France, Germany, China, and other nations, the Korean delegation emphasized the importance of parliamentary support in achieving SDGs and pledged continued efforts in this area. The delegation is scheduled to return to Korea on Feb. 17.
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Speaker Woo Won-shik hosts Assembly’s 2025 New Year kick-off ceremony
Speaker Woo Won-shik hosts Assembly’s 2025 New Year kick-off ceremony- Speaker Woo underscores the need to swiftly resolve the instability caused by the martial law crisis- Urgently calls for efforts to achieve progress in constitutional reform, social dialogue, and constitutional amendment- Secretary General Kim Min-ki suggests reinforcing the functions of the National Assembly in the New Year, starting with preparation of comprehensive measures Speaker of the Republic of Korea’s National Assembly Woo Won-shik held the National Assembly’s 2025 New Year kick-off ceremony on Jan. 2, where he underlined the Assembly’s responsibilities in overcoming the national crisis and encouraged everyone to strive for a ‘National Assembly that protects the people and advances into the future.’ During the ceremony, participants held a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash in late December last year. Speaker Woo stated, “We are beginning the year with heavy hearts due to the national crisis caused by the martial law declaration as well as a tragic airplane disaster. The most vital task now is to investigate the scene of the accident and provide sufficient support for families of the victims. The National Assembly should carefully evaluate and improve the situation from the perspective of the families and survivors.” Woo continued by saying, “The 22nd National Assembly opened amid a tense environment due to intense partisan conflict in 2024, with an opening ceremony 96 days later (than usual) involving 150 specially invited citizens. Last month was especially chaotic with the declaration of martial law, the military incursion into the National Assembly, and the impeachment proceedings. Despite these challenges, National Assembly staff performed their roles outstandingly, helping us overcome critical obstacles.” He then remarked, “The public now has higher expectations of the National Assembly than ever before. I ask that you work with pride while also accepting a unique sense of responsibility in resolving the current crisis.” Speaker Woo outlined the following as key tasks for 2025: △ Stabilizing national affairs and people’s livelihoods;△ Restoring the country’s international credibility; and△ Ensuring smooth progress in the impeachment trial. “Please scrupulously manage all activities aimed at resolving instability, including emergency task forces for monitoring post-martial law economic conditions, active parliamentary diplomacy, and the special committee on investigating the martial law crisis,” he requested. Speaker Woo also noted that while there are urgent issues to address, there are also crucial tasks that cannot be delayed if progress is to be realized. He urged everyone by saying, “We must accelerate constitutional reform, social dialogue, and establishment of a climate-focused National Assembly as key tasks for the first half of the 22nd National Assembly. In addition, please pay special attention to preparations for the inaugural National Assembly-hosted August 15 National Liberation Day eve ceremony and the 50th anniversary of the National Assembly building this year.” Speaker Woo closed his remarks by saying: “Let us work together to forge a National Assembly that protects the lives and dreams of the people and prepares the Republic of Korea for the future.” In the speech that followed, Secretary General Kim Min-ki proposed, “Let 2025 be the year of strengthening the National Assembly’s functions. We must identify the vulnerabilities revealed during the martial law crisis and ensure that the National Assembly can continue to function in any situation by preparing comprehensive measures. Let us also become a ‘National Assembly that remembers and records’ every step of this crisis.” During the ceremony, Speaker Woo presented the Speaker’s Citation and Exemplary Civil Servant certificates to staff members who had set an example for others over the past year. The ceremony was attended by National Assembly Secretariat staff including Secretary General Kim Min-ki; National Assembly Library Chief Librarian Hwang Jeong-geun; Chief of the National Assembly Budget Office Chi Dong-ha; Chief of the National Assembly Research Service Lee Kwan-hu; Deputy Secretary-General for Legislative Affairs Jin Sun-hee; Deputy Secretary-General for Administrative Affairs Park Tae-hyung; Chief of Staff to the Speaker Jo O-seop; and National Assembly Futures Institute Director Kim Gi-sik.
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Official Position of National Assembly Secretariat on the Dec. 12 Presidential Address
Official Position of National Assembly Secretariat on the Dec. 12 Presidential Address- Dec. 3 martial law declaration deemed an attempt to neutralize the National Assembly’s constitutional authority and functionsThe National Assembly Secretariat (Secretary General Kim Min-ki) hereby issues a statement regarding the presidential address on Dec. 12, clarifying that it contained numerous inaccuracies, as detailed below:First, Regarding Claims of the Legitimacy of Martial Law Measures,President Yoon Suk-yeol claimed the martial law measures were exercised under his legal authority to protect the nation and restore normal governance.However, Article 77(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea restricts martial law measures to extraordinary actions only concerning governmental or judicial authority. Nonetheless, Proclamation No. 1 prohibited the National Assembly’s activities.In addition, the National Assembly Guard and police forces stationed outside obstructed lawmakers attempting to enter the Assembly to vote on the motion ordering the repeal of martial law. Martial law troops even stormed into the National Assembly’s Main Building to disrupt its proceedings.These actions violated the Constitution and Martial Law Act, undermining the National Assembly’s constitutional authority and functions.Moreover, procedural requirements under the Constitution and the Martial Law Act were not adhered to. After declaring martial law, the president is required to promptly notify the National Assembly. However, no official notification was made. Despite the National Assembly’s passage of a resolution demanding the repeal of martial law at 1:00 a.m. on Dec. 4 and its official communication to the government at 1:59 a.m., the government failed to publicly announce the repeal, as required by the Martial Law Act.Reports indicated that the Cabinet council convened at approximately 4:30 a.m. to decide on the repeal of martial law. However, due to the absence of any official announcement, lawmakers remained on standby in the chamber. Speaker Woo Won-shik confirmed the situation with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and only adjourned the session at 5:54 a.m.Second, Regarding Claims Concerning the Deployment of Troops to the National Assembly,President Yoon stated that troops were deployed to maintain order, rather than to dissolve or incapacitate the Assembly. He claimed that only a small number of soldiers were deployed, thus ensuring continued access to Assembly personnel, and promising to withdraw troops immediately following a repeal resolution.In reality, the outer gates of the National Assembly were sealed by police, blocking access by lawmakers, aides, and Assembly staff. Martial law troops forcibly entered the National Assembly building, breaking windows in the process, and attempted to disrupt the session including the vote on repealing martial law.At least 2,200 personnel, including police units (approximately 1,500 officers from 26 divisions) and military personnel (685 martial law troops from various units including special forces and 49 plainclothes military police) were deployed.▶ Dec. 3, 10:55 p.m. – Police seal the outer gates, restricting access to both people and vehicles.▶ Dec. 3, 11:48 p.m. – Approximately 230 martial law troops enter the National Assembly grounds via 24 helicopter landings.▶ Dec. 3, 11:51 p.m. – Martial law troops attempt to enter the rear lobby on the first floor.▶ Dec. 3, 11:59 p.m. – Troops attempt to breach the main entrance to the second floor of the National Assembly’s main building.▶ Dec. 4, 12:34 a.m. – Troops break windows to enter Room 233 on the second floor of the main building.▶ Dec. 4, 12:40 a.m. – Approximately 50 troops scale the wall near the hydrogen charging station and enter the premises.▶ Dec. 4, 12:41 a.m. – Troops entering the second floor attempt to breach the central hall.▶ Dec. 4, 12:47 a.m. – The 15th plenary session convenes.▶ Dec. 4, 12:48 a.m. – Approximately 80 troops breach the outer gate (Gate 3).▶ Dec. 4, 12:57 a.m. – Troops attempt to breach the rear of the second floor of the main building.▶ Dec. 4, 1:00 a.m. – The resolution demanding the repeal of martial law is presented and adopted during the plenary session.** (Refer to the emergency interpellation of the Public Administration and Security Committee and the National Defense Committee for details)Third, Regarding Claims of Preventing Casualties,President Yoon stated that all necessary precautions were taken to prevent casualties.However, more than 10 employees of the National Assembly Secretariat’s Security Planning Office sustained injuries in the process of resisting martial law troops’ attempt to storm the plenary chamber. Moreover, material damages amounting to approximately KRW 66 million were reported, including broken doors, shattered windows, and damaged furniture. The Secretariat is currently operating a Martial Law Damage Reporting Center (Dec. 11–17), and expects additional reports of damages.▶ Facility Damage: Estimated losses of approx. KRW 11 million, including damage to glass doors, windows, and perimeter fences.▶ Equipment Damage: Estimated losses of approx. KRW 8 million, including damage to fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and revolving doors.▶ Furniture Damage: Estimated losses of approx. KRW 47 million, including damage to meeting chairs and tables.Fourth, Regarding Claims of Necessity of Increasing National Assembly Budget,President Yoon asserted that the National Assembly increased its budget to maintain its privileges.In fact, the National Assembly’s 2025 budget was reduced by KRW 71 million during deliberations, targeting non-essential projects. While the finalized 2025 budget increased by KRW 8.48 billion compared with the previous year, this was attributed to a government-proposed adjustment to reflect a 3.0% general salary increase for public officials. Meanwhile, the budget related to major legislative activity decreased by KRW 4.92 billion.The National Assembly Secretariat reiterates that the Dec. 3 martial law declaration, involving the deployment of police and troops to block and paralyze the National Assembly, exceeded constitutional and legal boundaries. The claims made during the Dec. 12 presidential address concerning the National Assembly are demonstrably inaccurate.
* Excluding G7 countries duplicated within the P20. Dec 26, 2024 -
Statement to the press by National Assembly Secretary General on cooperation with martial law investigations
Statement to the press by National Assembly Secretary General on cooperation with martial law investigations I am Kim Min-ki, Secretary General of the National Assembly. The National Assembly Secretariat received a request for cooperation from the Special Investigation Unit for Martial Law under the National Police Agency on Dec. 7. A similar request was made on Dec. 8 by the Special Investigation Headquarters for Martial Law under the Prosecution Service. And today, December 9, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) also requested cooperation.These requests all pertain to the provision of CCTV footage relating to the martial law incident and details of damages sustained by the National Assembly. The National Assembly Secretariat will submit CCTV footage capturing the illegal intrusion by martial law forces and the identified human and material damages to the respective investigative agencies today. The 10-minute-long CCTV footage released to the media last week will be provided immediately. The full-length version of the footage, currently being downloaded on account of its large size, will also be reviewed for potential submission at an appropriate time. In addition, we will submit information on the human and material damages sustained by the National Assembly, as requested by the investigative agencies. As of now, the Secretariat has confirmed the following: - Human injuries: Approximately 10 staff members suffered injuries including rib and finger sprains, abrasions, and toe lacerations.- Material damages: Damages include broken windows and shattered glass on the second floor of the Main Building, where martial law forces unlawfully entered. The cost to repair these damages is estimated at KRW 66 million. It is important to note that these figures are preliminary estimates. A more accurate investigation is expected to reveal even higher levels of damage and cost. In addition, today the National Assembly Secretariat will officially begin accepting reports on lost items belonging to the martial law forces. These reports will also be provided to investigative agencies at the appropriate time. To the People of Korea, During the period of martial law, the police unlawfully imposed a total blockade on the National Assembly, obstructing Members of the National Assembly and staff from entering the premises to attend plenary sessions and ensure a functioning legislature.Martial law forces unlawfully intruded upon the National Assembly premises, including via helicopters, and attempted to paralyze its functions by preventing the opening of a plenary session held to demand the lifting of martial law.These actions exceeded the constitutional and legal boundaries of martial law. In the process of responding to these unlawful actions, numerous National Assembly staff including guards, security personnel, and aides suffered injuries, and significant damage was inflicted on Assembly facilities and equipment. The National Assembly Secretariat resolutely maintains that those responsible for the martial law incident must be held strictly accountable in accordance with the Constitution and the law. We urge investigative agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. Finally, I would like to address one other concern:The police, prosecution, and the CIO are all competing to request investigative materials from the National Assembly Secretariat. While the Secretariat will fully cooperate with all agencies, the overlapping requests and apparent jurisdictional conflicts among the investigative bodies are concerning. As the leader of the institution that suffered the harm, I express my apprehension with this situation. Thank you.
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Speaker inspects damage caused by martial law enforcers entry to National Assembly
[Photo] Speaker Woo Won-shik Inspects Damage Caused by Martial Law Enforcers Entry to National Assembly Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-shik conducted an inspection on the morning of Dec. 4 to assess the damage caused by the entry of martial law soldiers into the National Assembly complex.