As the National Assembly opened its 100-day regular session on Monday, a stark visual contrast emerged, highlighting the deep political divide between lawmakers from South Korea’s rival parties.

Members of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea arrived in colorful hanbok, adding a festive touch to the proceedings. In contrast, lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party appeared in black suits with black ribbons, an outfit typically associated with mourning, intended in this case as a form of political protest.

This visual split reflects the tense atmosphere expected during the session, as the ruling Democratic Party plans to push its reform agenda and hold those linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Dec. 3 martial law declaration accountable, while the opposition vows to block what it calls the ruling party’s “unilateral rule.”

Ruling party lawmakers wearing hanbok and main opposition lawmakers in mourning attire salute the national flag during the opening of the regular parliamentary session at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. Hanbok was suggested by Assembly Speaker Rep. Woo Won-shik of the ruling Democratic Party, while lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party wore black in protest against the ruling bloc. (Yonhap)
Ruling party lawmakers wearing hanbok and main opposition lawmakers in mourning attire salute the national flag during the opening of the regular parliamentary session at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. Hanbok was suggested by Assembly Speaker Rep. Woo Won-shik of the ruling Democratic Party, while lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party wore black in protest against the ruling bloc. (Yonhap)
Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, dressed in traditional hanbok, pose for photos at the National Assembly in Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap)
Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, dressed in traditional hanbok, pose for photos at the National Assembly in Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap)

Lawmakers from the opposition People Power Party, dressed in black suits and wearing black ribbons symbolizing mourning, attend the opening ceremony of the regular National Assembly session at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. (Yonhap)
Lawmakers from the opposition People Power Party, dressed in black suits and wearing black ribbons symbolizing mourning, attend the opening ceremony of the regular National Assembly session at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. (Yonhap)

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