South Korea's National Assembly descended into chaos late Thursday after a physical standoff over a move to ram key reform bills through on fast-track.<br />The committees for judiciary and political reform were planning to grant such status to bills on electoral reform... and on creating an independent body to investigate corruption among high-ranking government and public officials.<br />Four parties,.... without the main opposition bloc,... agreed this week to fast track the bills' legislation.<br />However, their plans have been put on hold due to fierce resistance from the Liberty Korea Party -- which blocked the conference rooms for the meetings -- emphasizing that election law needs bipartisan agreement.<br />There's also been a backlash from some lawmakers from the minor opposition Bareun Mirae Party after their leadership replaced two of their judiciary committee members who signaled they would vote against the fast-track plan.<br />Although the committee managed to convene a meeting in the wee hours of this morning,... they adjourned due to a lack of quorum and resistance from the conservatives.<br />The ruling Democratic Party condemned the Liberty Korea Party for "illegal violence",... and called for an end to the standoff after the scuffles resulted in a number of injuries. <br /><br />
