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` The National Assembly of Korea was originally established as the Constituent Assembly on May 31, 1948, almost three years after liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The Assembly then had 198 members, who were elected for two-year terms in the general election held three weeks before on May 10, 1948. May 31, 1998, marks the 50th anniversary of representative democracy in Korea. With the opening of the National Assembly, the Constitution was promulgated in 1948, providing for a unicameral legislature and a presidential system of government. Although it briefly adopted a new constitution, creating a bicamral parliamentary government centered on a premier and cabinet who were responsible to the National Assembly during the period between 1960 and 1962, the presidential system and the single house have been maintained throughout despite the amendments that have been made to the Constitution. From the Constituent Assembly to the current 15th Assembly, the National Assembly, which represents the will of the people, has not always been the object of the people`s favor and support, sometimes being the target of harsh criticism. The National Assembly has always been at the center of the political arena throungout the turbulent constitutional history of this country, which has been checkered with trials and tribulations as the country has struggled to become democratic. It is now poised to starting with a renewed determination to open a era of new democracy. Since a true and viable democracy is not possible without a genuine parliamentary political system in place, the National Assembly will break out of the mold in its efforts to transform itself into a legislature of the people, by the people, for the people. On this occasion, the Ministry of Information and Communication is issuing a new commemorative stamp to not only celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Assembly but to also recall the significance of the occasion at this particular juncture in preparation for the new millenium and the reunification of the country. `