Independent Lawmaker Joins Ruling Party
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
Independent lawmaker Kim Gwang-lim joined the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) Monday, bringing the total number of GNP legislators in the 299-member National Assembly to 172.
GNP Spokesman Cha Myeong-jin said Kim completed the application process needed to get party membership.
On July 10, the party's decision-making Supreme Council decided to allow all lawmakers who expressed their willingness to join the party to sign up.
The decision has led to an increase of party members, from 153 to a comfortable majority of 172 in the unicameral legislature.