weekly

March 3 (Asia Today) — Han Byung-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said Monday that his party will maintain an emergency legislative posture in March and convene plenary sessions every Thursday to advance key bills.

Speaking at a party strategy meeting, Han said the March session of the National Assembly begins Wednesday and that the party will focus on livelihood- and reform-related legislation to support President Lee Jae-myung’s policy agenda.

“We will operate all standing committees and hold plenary sessions every Thursday to ensure there is no shortage of bills ready for passage,” he said.

Han also addressed delays in passing an administrative integration bill, which has stalled amid disagreements with the opposition People Power Party.

He accused the conservative party of blocking the bill’s submission to the plenary session while claiming that the Democratic Party opposes integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. Han argued that integration efforts involving Daegu and North Gyeongsang as well as Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province should move forward together, calling administrative consolidation a “century-long national plan.”

Han criticized the People Power Party for staging a public march to the presidential office in protest of three judicial reform laws passed by the Democratic Party majority, including measures creating a crime of judicial distortion, allowing constitutional complaints against court rulings and expanding the number of Supreme Court justices.

“The march is not about judicial justice but about appealing to far-right street forces,” Han said. “Public sentiment lies not on the asphalt but in people’s everyday lives.”

He added that the party would work with the government to respond to what he described as a “global complex crisis” stemming from escalating tensions in the Middle East, including developments involving Iran.

“Rising oil prices and broader instability could affect the real economy, financial markets and security,” Han said. “We will closely monitor the situation with the government and seek to prevent excessive anxiety from spreading.”

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260303010000481

So much has happened over the past seven days, including two Premier League managers departing, the second round of the Six Nations and many medals being won at the Winter Olympics.

About 9% of you got full marks in last week’s edition. How will you do this week?

After more quizzes? Go to our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device.

Available for 29 days

Ugo Monye, John Barclay and Chris Ashton delve into all the big talking points from an action packed opening week of the Six Nations.

Week one had everything – dramatic losses, freak weather storms and unexpected results.

It proved to be a difficult day in Rome for John as his former side lost in a shock defeat against Italy – John reveals how “gutted” he was.

Ashy was channel hopping between Paris and London – as he witnessed French dominance against Ireland and England’s confident win over Wales.

We also get the latest news on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who has been ruled out of the match against Scotland next weekend and is in danger of missing the entire Six Nations.

The big questions get asked too, from what does the future hold for Gregor Townsend, to how dominant can this French side become, and what’s next for Wales?

Programme WebsiteShow less