← Back · ← Home · ← Back to list
[8th EAI Academy] IV. Problems of Electoral Politics and Institutional Reform
Editor's Note
Professor Yoo Sung-jin of Ewha Womans University points out that South Korea's electoral system was institutionalized in favor of vested interests from its initial formation stage and argues that fundamental institutional reform is necessary. He specifically proposes the introduction of a proportional representation system through the expansion of proportional representation seats and an increase in the total number of National Assembly members as key reform measures.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwu9Jh3osAs
Video Script
The Entrenchment of the Korean Electoral System and the Issue of the Number of National Assembly Members
According to the initial constitution, what was the reason for setting the number of National Assembly members at 300? At that time, the population of the Korean peninsula was 30 million, and looking at cases in other countries, approximately one representative was elected per 100,000 people. As the number of National Assembly members has remained at 300, those who become members of the National Assembly use their vested interests to continuously raise the barriers. This means that each National Assembly member represents more constituents than in the past. The OECD average is one representative per 104,000 people.
If we adhere to this standard, it should be 493 based on the recent census results. Sometimes it is argued that the United States is an exception, but the U.S. House of Representatives alone has 435 members. Considering only the House of Representatives, despite such a large population, is an incorrect comparison. The United States also has a Senate and a federal system. Furthermore, in the current situation where the separation of powers is not functioning properly and there is turmoil due to impeachment, it is difficult for the National Assembly to perform its crucial function of checking the executive branch with the current structure. There are 1.15 million public officials in the executive branch, but only 4,800 in the National Assembly. How can 4,800 public officials effectively conduct parliamentary audits or audits of the executive branch? Compared to the national budget of 18 trillion won in 1988, it now exceeds 600 trillion won. However, the size of the National Assembly has remained almost unchanged.
Despite this increased workload, it is difficult for National Assembly members to fulfill their roles. 300 seats are insufficient.
Yoo Sung-jin, Professor at the Graduate School of Ewha Womans University, School of Liberal Arts.
Managed and Edited by: Song Chae-rin, EAI Researcher
Inquiries: 02 2277 1683 (ext. 211) | crsong@eai.or.kr
*This text is an AI translation of an original written in Korean. Some translations or nuances may be inaccurate.