What Is 21st National Assembly of South Korea

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 21st National Assembly of South Korea was elected on April 15, 2020, and convened on May 30, 2020, marking the beginning of a four-year term. It consists of 300 members, with the Democratic Party emerging as the largest party, securing 180 seats.

Key Facts

Elected on April 15, 2020, with a voter turnout of 66.2%
Convened on May 30, 2020, for a four-year term
Comprises 300 members: 253 elected by plurality and 47 by proportional representation
Democratic Party won 180 seats, the largest majority since democratization
First assembly to include members elected under revised proportional representation rules

Overview

The 21st National Assembly of South Korea represents a pivotal legislative body elected during a transformative political period. It followed the April 15, 2020, general election, which occurred amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, influencing both campaigning and voter behavior.

This assembly marked a significant shift in party dynamics, with the ruling Democratic Party securing a decisive majority. Its composition reflects changes in electoral reform, including revised proportional representation systems aimed at reducing dominance by major parties.

Term start date: The 21st Assembly officially convened on May 30, 2020, following certification of election results.
Size and structure: It includes 300 members, with 253 elected via single-member districts and 47 through proportional lists.
Democratic Party dominance: The party won 180 seats, the largest majority held by any party since South Korea’s democratization in 1987.
Electoral reforms: A new mixed-member proportional system was introduced, reducing the advantage of large parties by allocating seats more equitably.
Voter turnout: Reached 66.2%, the highest since 1992, reflecting heightened public interest amid national challenges.

How It Works

The 21st National Assembly operates under South Korea’s unicameral parliamentary system, with responsibilities including lawmaking, budget approval, and oversight of the executive branch.

Term: The assembly serves a four-year term, beginning May 30, 2020, and ending in May 2024. Unlike some legislatures, South Korea does not allow early dissolution by the president.
Leadership structure: The Speaker and two Deputy Speakers are elected from among members, with the Speaker typically from the majority party but expected to remain impartial.
Committee system: Over 18 standing committees handle specialized areas such as finance, foreign affairs, and legislation, reviewing bills before plenary sessions.
Legislative process: Bills can be introduced by members or the government, requiring approval by a majority in both committee and full assembly to pass.
Budget authority: The assembly holds exclusive power to deliberate and approve the national budget, a key check on presidential authority.
Oversight role: It can conduct audits, investigations, and hearings, including the power to impeach officials with a two-thirds majority.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 21st National Assembly with previous assemblies in terms of composition and electoral features.

Feature	21st Assembly (2020–2024)	20th Assembly (2016–2020)	19th Assembly (2012–2016)
Total Seats	300	300	300
Democratic Party Seats	180	123	127
Opposition Seats (Main)	105 (United Future Party)	116 (Liberty Korea Party)	152 (Saenuri Party)
Proportional Seats	47	47	47
Female Representation	57 members (19%)	47 members (15.7%)	43 members (14.3%)

The table highlights a notable increase in female lawmakers and the Democratic Party’s expanded influence. Electoral reforms contributed to more diverse party representation, though major parties still dominate. The proportional seat allocation was adjusted to prevent large parties from monopolizing bonus seats, a change implemented for the 2020 election.

Why It Matters

The 21st National Assembly played a crucial role in shaping South Korea’s response to domestic and international challenges, from pandemic management to economic recovery.

COVID-19 legislation: Passed emergency relief packages totaling ₩143 trillion ($118 billion) to support public health and businesses.
Political accountability: Held high-profile investigations into government policies, including pandemic response and housing market regulation.
Gender equality: Increased female representation led to stronger advocacy for childcare reform and anti-discrimination laws.
Electoral precedent: Set a benchmark for future elections with record voter turnout and improved minority party inclusion.
Inter-Korean relations: Influenced foreign policy debates, including support for dialogue with North Korea despite stalled negotiations.
Legislative efficiency: Enacted over 1,200 laws during its term, including digital privacy regulations and green energy initiatives.

The 21st National Assembly demonstrated both the strengths and limitations of South Korea’s legislative system. While its supermajority enabled swift lawmaking, it also raised concerns about reduced checks on power. Nonetheless, its tenure marked a period of significant legislative output and institutional evolution.