Mandatory Non-Combustible Materials in Revised Architecture Act; Passage of U.S. NDAA and Proposal of Bill to Exclude Relatives from Investigations

Major Legislative Steps at the Intersection of Safety and Defense

The revised Architecture Act, passed by the National Assembly plenary session on the 23rd, mandates the use of non-combustible materials for finishing underground parking lots. This essentially establishes an institutional foundation based on painful lessons drawn from the ashes of past major fire accidents. It is expected to serve as a critical defensive barrier by preventing the spread of toxic gases from internal combustion engine vehicles and electric cars, thereby securing crucial time for initial firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, across the Pacific, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions limiting the reduction of U.S. Forces Korea and explicitly stating U.S.-Korea cooperation. This accelerates the processing of bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening the security posture of the alliance.

At the center of parliamentary discourse lie fundamental discussions regarding real estate and electoral systems. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced a paradigm shift in real estate policy to avoid repeating Japan's "Lost 30 Years." The core focus is on market normalization rather than simple price controls seen in the past. During a public debate on real estate, he emphasized that he would seek practical solutions and avoid relying solely on majority rule, even if it means enduring inevitable conflicts and resistance during the policy decision-making process.

Boosting Investigative Body Credibility and Ensuring Electoral Fairness

To guarantee the neutrality and impartialness of investigative agencies, a so-called "Chinpije" (relative exclusion) bill was introduced in the National Assembly to completely exclude relatives and other interested parties from investigations. Proposed by Rep. Lee Sang-sik of the Democratic Party, the bill aims to block suspicions of biased investigations or preferential treatment arising from family involvement. If enacted, the system will act as a constraint mechanism ensuring all investigative agencies, including prosecutors and police, operate transparently within legal boundaries.

Political follow-up measures regarding the election management system are also gaining momentum. People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon is responding strongly to revelations that officials from the National Election Commission (NEC) and the Gyeonggi Provincial Election Commission falsely input voter turnout rates. He urged that all suspicions revealed during the local elections be thoroughly investigated, even if it requires extending the state audit period. Rep. Ju Jin-woo also held an urgent press conference, officially demanding a full re-verification of the NEC's computer systems, the appointment of an independent counsel, and the immediate resignation of acting NEC Chairman Chwi Chul-hwan. Leader Han declared that large-scale public resistance movements, similar to the Candlelight Vigils, would continue until a proper special counsel is appointed.

Virtual Asset Regulation Legislation and Diversification of Education Policy

A cryptocurrency regulation bill under discussion in the U.S. Congress faces a potential collapse due to opposition from the Democratic Party. With capital markets already shaken by rising international oil prices and a delay in the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate cuts, the legislative delay has added to the woes, causing the virtual asset market to record sharp volatility. This is analyzed as a case where regulatory uncertainty has dampened investor sentiment. Conversely, in the domestic education legislation sector, movements toward region-specific policies are becoming distinct. Rep. Song Cheol-ho of the Rebuilding Korea Party is pushing for a local government bill to support the establishment of a special education promotion plan for Jeollabuk-do, while fellow party member Kim Seok-young proposed a plan to prevent violations of teachers' rights and seek harmony with student rights through a comprehensive revision of the Student Human Rights Ordinance. Alongside these, policies for diversifying high schools, including the revival of autonomous private high schools and foreign language high schools, as well as improvements to educational conditions such as reducing class sizes for lower elementary grades, are consistently being discussed as policy alternatives.

Industrial Impact from Bill Passage and Outlook for Legislative Schedule

The passage of the revised Architecture Act is expected to have a direct impact on the construction materials market and real estate construction cost structures. As the use of flame-retardant or non-combustible materials becomes mandatory, the construction cost per square meter for large-scale residential complexes, such as apartments, is likely to rise slightly. Construction companies are expected to explore alternative materials or improve construction methods to cut costs, while demand in the overall fire safety industry is projected to expand.

For the NDAA passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, the result of the Senate vote is cited as the biggest variable. Senate Democrats have delayed processing the bill due to concerns about involvement in a war with Iran and opposition to increasing the defense budget. According to U.S. media reports, the gridlock between the two parties under the bicameral system is unlikely to be resolved in the short term. Domestically, it is also predicted that a considerable amount of time will be required to reach institutional agreements. With the ruling and opposition parties remaining divided over issues such as the appointment of a special counsel, the extension of state audits, and a complete overhaul of the election system, the timing of the plenary vote for related bills is expected to be determined later based on discussions in the National Assembly's Steering Committee and Legislation and Judiciary Committee.