World & Nation

Politics, South Korea-style

South Korean opposition party members try to break into a parliamentary committee room where the ruling Grand National Party was preparing to introduce a bill to ratify a trade pact with Washington. Scuffles and violence are not uncommon among South Korean legislators.

South Korean opposition party members try to break into a parliamentary committee room where the ruling Grand National Party was preparing to introduce a bill to ratify a trade pact with Washington. Scuffles and violence are not uncommon among South Korean legislators.  (Ahn Jung-won / Yonhap)

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In December, South Korean lawmakers tried to sledgehammer their way into a parliamentary meeting room barricaded by the ruling party as the National Assembly descended into chaos over a free-trade agreement with the United States.

Fire extinguishers

South Korean opposition lawmakers are sprayed in the face with fire extinguishers as they break through a door to confront members of the ruling Grand National Party.  (Kim Ju-seong / Yonhap)

Fire extinguishers

Foam from fire extinguishers flies as opposition lawmakers attempt to enter the committee room.  (Kim Ju-seong / Yonhap)

Fisticuffs

The behavior of South Korea’s lawmakers has led to some soul-searching in the country.  (Ahn Jung-won / Yonhap)

Brawl

Security guards restrain opposition lawmakers at the South Korean National Assembly in Seoul.  (Ahn Jung-won / Yonhap)

Demonstration

Security officials struggle with opposition party members staging a sit-in at the National Assembly.  (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

Jan. 3 demonstration

Passions run high during a demonstration by South Korean lawmakers.  (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

Jan. 3 demonstration

Opposition lawmakers, foreground, block security officials with bookcases as the guards try to enter a hall at the National Assembly in Seoul.  (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

Jan. 3 demonstration

Security officials drag away an opposition party member.  (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

Jan. 3 demonstration

South Korean opposition lawmakers battle police as they try to enter the National Assembly.  (Kim Chul-soo / EPA)

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