Korean Constitutional Reform Showdown: Will the Opposition Block the Vote on May 8?

The People Power Party said it will respond with unlimited debate on every item if lawmakers hold a re-vote on the constitutional amendment tomorrow (May 8). In a message to party lawmakers today (May 7), Floor Leader Song Eon-seok accused Speaker Woo Won-sik and the Democratic Party of pressing ahead with a plenary session without agreement and of planning to force a re-vote on the amendment while rushing all pending bills through the agenda. The People Power Party refused to participate in the plenary vote, calling any unilateral attempt to amend the constitution “a betrayal of the people.” Speaker Woo subsequently declared the vote invalid, and the Democratic Party said it will convene a plenary session tomorrow (May 8) to try the amendment vote again. For Yonhap News TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23. Jeong Hojin (hojeans@yna.co.kr)