[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Democratic Party of Korea began accepting candidates on the 19th to select the Speaker of the 21st National Assembly. Following the surprise meeting between the leading Speaker candidates Park Byeong-seok (six-term) and Kim Jin-pyo (five-term) the previous day, there is speculation that the Speaker may be elected through consensus as both candidates have delayed registering their candidacies again today.
According to officials from both lawmakers' offices, Park and Kim met the previous evening to discuss the Speaker election. A representative from Kim’s office said in a phone call, "It is true that Kim Jin-pyo spoke with Park Byeong-seok yesterday afternoon," adding, "The candidate registration scheduled for the 19th is postponed. They will think it over one more day and then decide." A representative from Park’s office also confirmed, "It is true that they met, but it is difficult to disclose details," and added, "Candidate registration is currently being prepared."
Unlike the intense behind-the-scenes competition to secure the Speaker position, both candidates appear hesitant to register, leading to interpretations that they may have reached some understanding regarding a consensus endorsement during their meeting.
The idea of endorsing a Speaker has been steadily raised within the party. The excessive rivalry among the most senior lawmakers of the ruling party is seen as unseemly. As the competition showed signs of overheating, concerns among lawmakers gradually increased. Sensing this public sentiment, party leadership is reportedly planning to meet with both lawmakers soon to persuade them toward a consensus endorsement.
Some speculate that Park and Kim may ultimately split the Speaker term of the 21st National Assembly, with one serving the first half and the other the second half. However, this would inevitably raise questions about precedence. Kim, being one of many five-term lawmakers in the party, is judged unlikely to secure the second half Speaker position. Park, who is attempting to become Speaker for the third time, is reportedly reluctant to concede the first half term.
For now, both lawmakers plan to make a final decision on whether to register as candidates on the morning of the 20th.
Meanwhile, the outcome of the Speaker endorsement is expected to significantly affect the vice Speaker election dynamics. Attention is particularly focused on who will challenge Kim Sang-hee, the only female four-term lawmaker who has declared her candidacy. If Park is endorsed as Speaker, it is expected that Chungcheong region lawmakers Byeon Jae-il and Lee Sang-min, who had been mentioned as candidates, will not run in the election. Conversely, if Kim is endorsed, Seoul metropolitan area lawmakers such as Seol Hoon and Ahn Min-seok, who were also considered potential candidates, are likely to withdraw from the race.
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