Opposition Party Leader Declares Boycott of Constitution Day Assembly Event

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk declared on July 17 that he will not attend the National Assembly’s Constitution Day ceremony. While this year marks the reinstatement of Constitution Day as a public holiday for the first time in 18 years, the Assembly’s commemorative event is expected to be a partial affair due to the opposition’s boycott.

Representative Jang outlined his rationale for the boycott during a rally held at the steps of the National Assembly main building, titled 'Rally to Repeal the Gag Law and Deliver Petitions for a Special Counsel.' He cited the ruling party’s monopoly on key posts, including the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Furthermore, he criticized the enforcement of the "gag law"—which he claims infringes on freedom of expression—and the recent shortage of ballot papers during elections, arguing that the Assembly lacks the moral standing to hold the ceremony with pride.

During the event, Representative Jang called for the blocking of the gag law and the introduction of a special counsel investigation, appealing to his party’s supporters to join in upcoming demonstrations.