Korean Politics in Crisis: People Power Party Accuses Democratic Party of 'One-Party Dictatorship' Over Committee Chair Dispute

The Stalemate in the National Assembly: What’s Happening?

Did you know that South Korea’s National Assembly is currently facing one of its most intense standoffs in years? On June 23, 2025, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the opposition People Power Party (PPP) failed once again to reach an agreement on the distribution of key standing committee chair positions. This deadlock is paralyzing legislative work, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. The PPP claims that the DP’s refusal to share control over the powerful Legislation and Judiciary Committee, the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, and the House Steering Committee is a move toward 'one-party dictatorship.' Meanwhile, the DP insists it is simply following last year’s agreement and that the PPP is making unreasonable demands.
Community reactions on platforms like DC Inside and FM Korea show frustration, with users lamenting the constant political infighting and its impact on ordinary citizens. Some comments read, 'Are they ever going to work for the people?' and 'Both sides are just playing power games.'

Why Are These Committees So Important?

To understand the uproar, you need to know how the National Assembly works. The Legislation and Judiciary Committee is often called the 'gatekeeper' of all bills, as it reviews almost every piece of legislation before it reaches a plenary vote. The Budget and Accounts Committee controls the purse strings, and the Steering Committee manages the Assembly’s overall operations. Traditionally, these posts are shared between the ruling and opposition parties to ensure checks and balances. The PPP argues that with the DP holding all three, there’s no way to prevent abuse of power. The DP, however, points to its majority (holding 190 of 300 seats) and says it’s only fair to keep the positions as agreed last year.
On Naver blogs, political analysts explain that this struggle is about more than just positions—it’s about the very structure of Korean democracy. Many bloggers warn that if one party dominates all key committees, it could undermine the Assembly’s role as a check on executive power.

How Did We Get Here? The Roots of the Dispute

The conflict dates back to the launch of the 22nd National Assembly in 2024, when both parties agreed to alternate committee chairmanships every two years. However, after the 2024 general election, the DP unilaterally nominated its members as chairs for 11 out of 18 committees, prompting the PPP to boycott the process. The PPP claims this was never a true agreement, but rather a notification from the DP, and that the tradition of sharing key posts has been broken.
Recent articles from The Korea Herald and Yonhap News highlight that the PPP even filed a constitutional petition against what it calls the DP’s 'autocratic' actions. The DP, on the other hand, says the PPP is stalling vital legislation, including supplementary budgets needed for economic relief.

Inside the Negotiations: No Progress, Only Blame

Negotiations have been tense and fruitless. On June 23, floor leaders from both parties met for the fourth time in a week, only to confirm their differences. The DP’s chief negotiator, Moon Jin-seok, insisted that now is not the time to renegotiate committee distribution, citing urgent economic bills. The PPP’s Yoo Sang-bum countered that the DP’s refusal to compromise is a clear sign of 'one-party dictatorship.' Both parties have accused each other of hypocrisy and bad faith.
On Nate Pann and Instiz, users are divided—some support the DP’s firm stance, while others echo the PPP’s warnings about unchecked power. A popular comment says, 'If the DP takes everything, what’s left for democracy?' Another retorts, 'The PPP is just upset they lost the election.'

Community and Media Response: Frustration and Fatigue

The Korean public and online communities are growing weary of the endless political drama. Major news outlets like KBS and Asia Economy report that the legislative deadlock is delaying not only political reforms but also urgent economic measures. On Daum and Naver, trending blog posts criticize both parties for prioritizing power over public service. One Tistory blogger writes, 'Every year, it’s the same fight. We need a system that forces them to cooperate.'
Positive voices in the community urge compromise, but negative reactions dominate, with many expressing cynicism about the possibility of genuine reform.

Cultural Context: Why This Matters for Korean Democracy

For international readers, it’s crucial to understand that Korea’s political culture is deeply shaped by its history of authoritarianism and rapid democratization. The fear of 'one-party rule' is not just rhetoric—it taps into memories of past dictatorships and the hard-won battle for democratic checks and balances. The current standoff is not just about who gets which chair, but about the legitimacy of Korea’s democratic institutions.
Fans of Korean culture and politics should know that these debates reflect a society still negotiating the boundaries of power and accountability. The passionate online responses—ranging from satire to outrage—show how invested Koreans are in the health of their democracy.

What’s Next? Possible Outcomes and Lessons

As of June 24, 2025, there is no sign of a breakthrough. Both parties are expected to meet again, but few expect a compromise soon. The DP has hinted it may push through its agenda alone if the PPP refuses to cooperate, while the PPP warns of further legal and political challenges.
This episode is a vivid lesson in the challenges of coalition politics and the importance of institutional checks and balances. For observers abroad, it’s a reminder that even mature democracies can struggle with the basics of power-sharing.
Stay tuned—Korean politics is never boring, and the outcome of this dispute will shape the country’s legislative landscape for years to come.