Contentious Parliamentary Audit Ends in Shouting Match and Walkout

Contentious Parliamentary Audit Ends in Shouting Match and Walkout

Seoul, October 30, 2025 – The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee audit concluded today, marred by shouting matches and accusations that brought the proceedings to a standstill. Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties traded blame for the chaotic environment. The Democratic Party leveled strong criticisms, holding the judiciary and the People Power Party responsible for the martial law situation that occurred on December 3rd of last year. This blame game persisted throughout the audit, overshadowing productive questioning and answers with political wrangling.

Shortly before the conclusion of the audit, Committee Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae refused to grant speaking rights to members of the People Power Party. Choo explained that she had no choice but to limit their remarks due to the ongoing disruptions. People Power Party members strongly protested, objecting to the chairwoman's unilateral handling of the proceedings. This further soured the atmosphere and deepened distrust between the parties. Choo's decision to limit speaking time triggered a strong backlash, adding to the tension right up until the audit's close.

Inappropriate conduct by some lawmakers also came under scrutiny. Rep. Kwak Gyu-taek received a warning from the chair for using derogatory terms and engaging in personal attacks against a fellow legislator. Rep. Shin Dong-wook was disciplined with a suspension of speaking rights for using insulting language towards a colleague and directing abusive words at the chair. Such emotional responses and inappropriate behavior lowered the tone of the audit and disappointed the public. Questions about the lawmakers' qualifications are expected to continue to be raised following the audit.

When Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae continued her closing remarks for approximately seven minutes, People Power Party members rose from their seats in protest, chanting, "The chairwoman must resign!" The protest further inflamed the atmosphere and made it difficult to proceed. Amid the shouting matches between ruling and opposition party members, the audit ultimately ended in disarray. Following the declaration of adjournment, applause erupted only from the seats occupied by pro-government lawmakers, highlighting the stark divide between the two sides. This outcome reinforces criticisms that the audit had degenerated into a venue for conflict and division rather than cooperation.

From beginning to end, this session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee audit was characterized by shouting matches, abusive language, and a blame game between the ruling and opposition parties, presenting a disappointing spectacle to the public. In particular, the inappropriate behavior of some lawmakers and the chairwoman's unilateral actions undermined the authority of the audit and deepened political distrust. There is a growing call for institutional reforms at the National Assembly level, as well as self-reflection by lawmakers, to prevent a recurrence of these events. It remains to be seen whether the National Assembly can create a productive audit process that meets the public's expectations. President Lee Jae-myung's administration must take responsibility for this audit debacle and focus on resolving pressing issues by strengthening cooperation with the National Assembly.