The filibuster that the People Power Party had continued in protest against the handling of the Referendum Act amendment ended on the afternoon of the 1st. The National Assembly plenary session was recessed, and when it resumes, a vote on the amendment is expected.
According to the National Assembly that day, the People Power Party's unlimited debate, which began on the 24th of last month, wrapped up after six days. Earlier, the People Power Party launched a filibuster in protest after the Democratic Party of Korea single-handedly passed judicial reform bills, including the Law Distortion Crime Act.
National Assembly Vice Speaker Lee Hak-young declared the end of debate during the afternoon plenary session after the remarks by People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jung-jae, who had been continuing the debate, ended, saying, "There are no more lawmakers who have applied for unlimited debate," in accordance with the National Assembly Act. He then said the plenary session would be briefly recessed to facilitate smooth proceedings.
The National Assembly Act stipulates that if there are no more speakers or if a motion to end debate is passed on an item subject to unlimited debate, the chair shall declare the debate closed and proceed to a vote without delay.
Accordingly, when the plenary session reconvenes, the Referendum Act amendment guaranteeing overseas Koreans the right to vote in referendums is expected to be put to a vote.
Initially, the People Power Party planned to continue a seven-night, eight-day filibuster to counter the ruling party–led handling of bills such as the Commercial Act amendment, judicial reform bills, the South Jeolla–Gwangju Integration Special Act, the Local Autonomy Act amendment, and the Child Allowance Act amendment.
However, it decided to halt the filibuster that day while demanding that the Democratic Party handle the Daegu–North Gyeongsang Integration Special Act, which failed to be placed on the plenary agenda amid opposition in The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee.