Four people affiliated with the ruling Democratic Party(DP) have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the National Assembly to shut down for emergency quarantine on Friday and Saturday.

The Assembly's COVID-19 response headquarters said the decision comes amid concerns over additional confirmations.

This is the first time this year that parliament has been suspended due to COVID-19 and the third overall following shutdowns in February and August last year.

DP leader Song Young-gil, whose aide was previously confirmed, tested negative. DP Rep. Ahn Gyu-back and two of his aides were among those who tested positive.

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and former DP leader Lee Nak-yon have both been tested as they recently had close contact with Ahn.