South Korea's National Assembly audit, which has been disrupted by the ruling Saenuri Party's boycott in the standoff over the political neutrality of the parliamentary speaker, resumed normal proceedings Tuesday.

Saenuri decided to take full part in the audit sessions that kicked off last Monday after it walked out, protesting that National Assembly Chung Sye-kyun took the side of the opposition bloc ahead of a vote to sack a Cabinet minister last month.

Saenuri chief Rep. Lee Jung-hyun also staged a week-long hunger strike, demanding the resignation of Chung, until he agreed to end the protest on Sunday, with the speaker expressing regret for "causing concerns."

"The boycott by Saenuri carried out last week was legitimate, with its aim being to uphold the spirit of the parliamentary democracy," Chung Jin-suk, the party whip, said, adding it will also "humbly" accept the criticism made by the public over the boycott.

Saenuri also vowed to continue to fight against the opposition bloc's "groundless" criticism against the government and claims that can hurt the national economy.

"There should be no attempt to damage the economic foundation of the country and to discourage business owners," Chung said, adding that the sessions must refrain from excessively summoning business leaders.

The ruling and opposition parties agreed over the weekend to extend the audit period by four days to Oct. 19 to take into account last week's disruptions.  (Yonhap)