Kim Yea-ji Concludes 18-Hour Filibuster Opposing Special Probe

People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Kim Yea-ji concluded a nearly 18-hour filibuster on Sunday, March 22, 2026, opposing a proposed special investigation into alleged prosecutorial misconduct during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The filibuster began at approximately 4:42 p.m. On Saturday, March 21, and ended on Sunday, March 22.

Opposition to the Special Probe

Rep. Kim, who is visually impaired, spoke for approximately 17 hours and 35 minutes, reading from braille notes according to the Korea JoongAng Daily. The Democratic Party (DP)-led National Assembly is moving toward a vote on the special probe, which aims to investigate whether prosecutors under the Yoon administration handled key cases involving President Lee Jae Myung and DP figures unfairly.

Cases Under Investigation

The proposed investigation encompasses several high-profile cases, including:

• Alleged corruption in the Daejang-dong and Wirye development projects
• An illegal payment case involving former Democratic Research Institute Deputy Director Kim Yong
• The Ssangbangwool money transfer case linked to North Korea
• The fatal shooting of a South Korean fisheries official in the Yellow Sea

The Daejang-dong and Wirye cases center on a controversial land development project in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, where private developers allegedly profited significantly, raising concerns about favorable terms granted by figures linked to then-Mayor Lee Jae-myung as reported by the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Investigation Scope and Committee

The investigation plan, approved by the National Assembly, will examine suspicions of systematic intervention and case planning by prosecution leadership, the Ministry of Justice, and the President’s Office as detailed by the Chosun. The investigation period extends until May 8, 2026, just weeks before the June 3 local elections.

Institutions subject to investigation include the Supreme Court, Suwon High Court, the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, the National Police Agency, and the National Intelligence Service. Approximately 10 companies, including Ssangbangwool and Hoban Construction, are also included.

The special committee consists of 20 members: 11 from the Democratic Party, 7 from the People Power Party, and 1 each from the Fatherland Innovation Party and the Progressive Party. Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-kyo chairs the committee according to Sedaily.

Filibuster History

Kim Yea-ji’s 17-hour and 35-minute filibuster is the second-longest in parliamentary history, following PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk’s 24-hour record as reported by Sedaily.