Press Releases
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National Assembly members attend the 149th IPU Assembly
National Assembly members attend the 149th IPU Assembly- Held from Oct. 13 to 17 in Geneva, Switzerland- Delegation included National Assembly members Lee In-young and Jin Sun-mee (Democratic Party of Korea) - Discussions held on 'Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future'The delegation from the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (led by Speaker Woo Won-shik) attended the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly*, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from Oct. 13 to 17. The Assembly welcomed 678 representatives from 129 countries, with National Assembly members Lee In-young and Jin Sun-mee (Democratic Party of Korea) representing the Republic of Korea. * The IPU is an international parliamentary organization established to foster dialogue and cooperation among parliaments worldwide. It currently has 181 members and 14 associate members and convenes biannual assemblies in the spring and fall each year.The main theme for the 149th assembly was “Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” Standing committees discussed a variety of topics including: ▲ the role of parliaments in advancing a two-State solution in Palestine (Standing Committee on Peace and International Security); ▲ parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts, including armed conflicts, on sustainable development (Standing Committee on Sustainable Development); and ▲ the impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law (Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights).Ahead of the formal assembly sessions, the Korean delegation participated in the ASEAN+3 Group and Asia-Pacific Geopolitical Group (APG) meetings to elect new members to vacant IPU committee seats assigned to the APG. Elected members included Hasni bin Mohammad (Malaysia, First Standing Committee); Deborah O'Neill (Australia, Third Standing Committee); Anurag Singh Thakur (India, Fourth Standing Committee); Visaradee Techateerawat (Thailand, Women's Parliamentary Forum); Fathimath Sauda (Maldives, Young Parliamentarians Forum); Asma Rasheed (Maldives) and Lata Wankhede (India) to the High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism; and Nophadol In-na (Thailand) and Bijuli Kalita Medhi (India) to the Working Group on Science and Technology.During the general debate, Korean delegation head Lee In-young delivered a speech that began by introducing the works “Human Acts” and “We Do Not Part” by Han Kang, Korea’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature. He expressed pride in sharing the news with the global delegation, noting that “It served as an important milestone to share the depth, diversity, and message of peace through Korean literature.” In relation to the assembly’s main theme, Lee underscored the “need for ongoing parliamentary attention and effort to ensure that the benefits of science, technology and innovation (STI) reach all members of society.” He also highlighted Korea’s legislative and policy efforts to both promote STI and safeguard the public from the potentially adverse effects of technological advancements.The Korean delegation also contributed to resolution discussions in the Third Standing Committee. Assembly member Jin Sun-mee participated in a panel talk on the impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, where she introduced the Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence proposed by the 22nd National Assembly, and shared the ongoing efforts in Korea, including forums, seminars, and legislative debates, to address human rights issues and minimize risks associated with the development of AI.On October 13, the Korean delegation held a bilateral meeting with the Cambodian delegation, led by Second Vice President of the Senate Ouch Borith, focused on strengthening the two countries’ strategic partnership. Topics included enhancing diplomatic cooperation between the two parliaments to promote trade, investment, and development cooperation, expanding the Employment Permit System quota, and strengthening Korea-ASEAN cooperation, all in support of fostering closer relations between the two nations.The IPU Assembly will conclude with a closing ceremony on Oct. 17, during which the Korean delegation will participate in the final adoption of each committee’s resolutions and outcome documents. The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea intends to continue its active participation in the IPU Assembly by engaging in in-depth discussions on key issues and fostering parliamentary diplomacy to enhance international cooperation and address global challenges.
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National Assembly Library hosts special exhibit: 'Han Kang, Korea’s First Nobel Laureate in Literature'
National Assembly Library hosts special exhibit: ‘Han Kang, Korea’s First Nobel Laureate in Literature’- Over 100 works on display, including 「The Vegetarian」 and 「Human Acts」The National Assembly Library (Chief Librarian Lee Myung-woo) will host a special exhibit entitled ‘Han Kang, Korea’s First Nobel Laureate in Literature’ to commemorate Han Kang’s winning of the Nobel Prize in Literature. The exhibit will be held in the central hall of the National Assembly Library for two months starting on Oct. 15.The exhibit will feature about 100 items, including original works by Han Kang such as 「The Vegetarian」, 「Human Acts」, 「The White Book」, and 「Greek Lessons」, as well as translations in 28 languages, audiobooks, and video materials, all from the library’s collection.Han Kang began her career as a novelist in 1994 when her short story 「The Scarlet Anchor」 won the New Year’s Literary Contest held by the Seoul Shinmun. In 2005, she won the Yi Sang Literary Award for 「Mongolian Mark」 and in 2016 the Man Booker International Prize for 「The Vegetarian」. In 2023, she received the Prix Médicis étranger for 「We Do Not Part」. In 2024, Han Kang became the first Korean author and the first Asian woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.Lee Myung-woo, Chief Librarian of the National Assembly Library, stated: “This exhibit offers a special opportunity to explore the works of Han Kang, who has written a new chapter in Korean literature. I hope it will raise awareness of her literary world and increase interest in Korean literature. The National Assembly Library will continue to provide a diverse selection of works to support the revival of Korean literature.”
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National Assembly Secretariat launches comprehensive situation room for state inspection . . . promoting a paperless audit
National Assembly Secretariat launches comprehensive situation room for state inspection . . . promoting a paperless audit- The National Assembly Secretariat is operating a full-scale situation room for the state inspection that starts Oct. 2- Minimizes paperwork and promotes transition to electronic formats, promoting a 'paperless audit'- The 14 standing committees will conduct audits from Oct. 7 to 25, while three joint committees will hold audits from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 The National Assembly Secretariat (Secretary General Kim Min-ki) held a signboard-raising ceremony in the Main Building on Oct. 2 to launch the comprehensive situation room for this year’s annual inspection of state affairs. Staff based in the room will support the issuance of progress reports on the audits for each committee, ensuring effective oversight. During the ceremony, Secretary General Kim Min-ki underscored the importance of timely provision of necessary materials and precedents for the first state inspection of the 22nd National Assembly, as well as the need for rapid reporting of any unusual circumstances such as the absence of key witnesses or disruptions to the audit.In line with efforts to address the global climate crisis, the National Assembly plans to promote a ‘paperless audit’ throughout this year's inspection process. Each committee has conducted a survey of its members on the preferred distribution method (paper or electronic) for key inspection materials. Based on the survey results, discussions among chairpersons and vice chairpersons aim to minimize paper usage and enhance electronic formats. Notably, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik on Sept. 30 sent letters to all members to encourage their participation in the ‘paperless audit.’In addition, the National Assembly’s Proceedings Bureau published the “2023 State Inspection and Investigation Statistical Data” on Sept. 26 to provide information needed for the audits. On Oct. 4, the “2024 State Inspection Notebook,” containing the inspection schedule for the 17 standing committees and related laws and precedents, will be distributed to National Assembly members, committees, negotiating groups, and the media.The State Inspection Notebook and comprehensive Inspection schedule will be available to the public via the National Assembly website (www.assembly.go.kr). Daily inspection schedules will also be available every morning on the KakaoTalk channel “Today’s National Assembly.” Relevant materials, including each committees’ inspection plans, can be examined on the respective committee’s websites.The 2024 state inspection will be conducted over 26 days from Oct. 7 to Nov. 1. According to the inspection plans adopted by the 17 standing committees, 14 of the standing committees, including the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, will conduct their inspections from Oct. 7 to 25. The House Steering Committee will carry out its inspection on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the Intelligence Committee on Oct. 29, 30, and 31, and the Gender Equality and Family Committee on Oct. 30 and 31.* The Strategy and Finance Committee will conduct its inspection from Oct. 10 to 29. This year, a total of 802 institutions are subject to the state inspection, an increase of nine compared with 2023. The number of institutions selected by the committees has decreased by 16 to 711, while those approved during the plenary meeting increased by 25 to 91 compared with last year.
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Speaker Woo Won-shik attends a climate crisis lecture
Speaker Woo Won-shik attends a climate crisis lecture - Speaker says we are in an era when international affairs and economic issues cannot be explained without acknowledging the climate crisis- Underscores that responding to the climate crisis is a matter of urgent survival, while calling for a permanent climate committee with substantial authoritySpeaker of the Republic of Korea’s National Assembly Woo Won-shik on Sept. 10 attended a lecture on the climate crisis for lawmakers and staff. Entitled “Survival Strategies for the Korean Economy in the Era of Climate Crisis and the Roles of the National Assembly,” the lecture was delivered by Professor Hong Jong-ho of Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies, who also serves as Chair of the National Assembly Speaker's Advisory Committee on the Climate Crisis.During the event, Speaker Woo stated: “We are now in an era when the climate crisis must be acknowledged to properly address not only environmental issues but also international affairs and economic matters. Climate crisis response policies, such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and Europe’s RePowerEU, are functioning as trade barriers.”Woo continued by emphasizing that the climate crisis should not be treated as one of many agendas but rather as an urgent issue of survival and a concern for the future. He stated: “We must approach this with the mindset that we are protecting the planet.” He proposed speeding up the establishment of a permanent climate committee in the 22nd National Assembly equipped with real authority over legislation and budgeting.Woo also made reference to the Constitutional Court’s ruling that the failure of the Carbon Neutrality Framework Act to set specific greenhouse gas reduction targets beyond 2031 constituted a violation of basic rights, as well as the education authorities’ approval of climate crisis textbooks for elementary, middle, and high school students. He stated: “The efforts of the National Assembly, which is responsible for climate crisis legislation and policy, have become more crucial than ever. I pledge to reinforce climate crisis lectures and provide more structured educational programs for lawmakers such as a high-level training course.”Attendees at the lecture included Deputy Speakers Lee Hack-young and Joo Ho-young; Democratic Party of Korea Floor Leader Park Chan-dae; along with over 40 other lawmakers; Her Eun-a, leader of the Reform Party; heads of National Assembly support organizations; Senior Secretaries from the Speaker's Office; Chief of Staffs from committees; and National Assembly staff.
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Members of 22nd National Assembly take group photo to mark 1st half term
Members of 22nd National Assembly take group photo to mark 1st half term- Photos will be taken at the diplomatic entrance to the National Assembly’s main building after the 22nd National Assembly’s opening ceremony and regular session on September 2- Regarded as a meaningful record and a cherished souvenir for lawmakers of the newly inaugurated 22nd National Assembly A group photo of the 22nd National Assembly Members for the first half term will be taken on September 2 outside the diplomatic entrance to the National Assembly’s main building, following the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Assembly and the regular session.Group photos of National Assembly members are regarded as significant constitutional records, but no official photos were taken for more than 60 years following the first group photo of founding members. Regular photo sessions have been held at the beginning and end of each term starting with the 19th National Assembly.In a letter sent to all National Assembly members, National Assembly Secretary General Kim Min-ki encouraged everyone’s participation in the group photo by saying: “Group photos of National Assembly members will endure as a valuable historical record in our constitutional history and will also be a cherished memory for you and your fellow lawmakers.”The group photos of the 22nd National Assembly members for the first half term will be displayed at the National Assembly.