Start of the 21st National Assembly Term... Gwangju Lawmakers Say "We Will Not Lose Our Original Intent"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The 21st National Assembly term began on the 30th of last month.

This National Assembly operates under a two-party system with the Democratic Party of Korea, the "super opposition" holding 177 seats, and the main opposition party, the United Future Party, conducting legislative and national affairs activities.

All eight seats in the Gwangju region were secured by the Democratic Party of Korea.

Marking the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, they all pledged to strengthen their determination to investigate the truth, including the responsibility for the shooting, and declared their intention to jointly propose amendments to May 18-related laws in line with the opening of the National Assembly.

They also expressed their commitment to focus their efforts on overcoming the COVID-19 crisis and addressing regional issues such as the relocation of the Gwangju military airport.

Representative Min Hyung-bae said, "I will use the authority temporarily entrusted to me by the citizens for the citizens," adding, "I will breathe with the citizens, carefully oversee the region, and live according to the will of the citizens."

Representative Yang Hyang-ja stated, "I have started my term in the 21st National Assembly by beginning the review of the first bill promised to the citizens, the 'Law to Prevent Historical Distortion,'" and added, "I will temporarily pause my personal life and meet the expectations of choice. I promise to be a politician who does not betray."

Representative Yoon Young-duk expressed, "I take a new step with expectations, excitement, and a heavy sense of responsibility," and said, "I will always reflect, not settle for the familiar, discard what must be discarded, empty what must be emptied, and fill my original heart richly to always walk together with the citizens."

Following, Representative Lee Byung-hoon emphasized, "I will do my best to restore the pride of the region and further transform it into a city where economy and culture harmonize," and added, "I will not lose my initial resolve and prepare for the difficult era of transformation after COVID-19."

Representative Lee Yong-bin said, "I will advance alongside citizens who hope for progress," and stated, "Based on the baseline of the people's life and safety, I will build the 'Gwangju identity' of justice and progress together with the people."

Representative Lee Hyung-seok said, "I feel the great weight of the small 6g badge pinned to my chest with my whole body," and promised, "I will not lose my initial resolve and will repay with politics that respond to the citizens' expectations without any deviation, with a humble attitude."

Representative Cho Oh-seop said, "I will listen to the voices of residents with a more humble attitude and carry out legislative activities with greater passion," and added, "I will devote myself to making Korea and Gwangju that wisely overcome the difficult era of COVID-19 and lead the changed era."

Among the Gwangju region representatives, except for Representative Song Gap-seok (Seogu Gap), who succeeded in re-election, Representatives Min Hyung-bae (Gwangsan-gu Eul), Yang Hyang-ja (Seogu Eul), Yoon Young-duk (Dongnam-gu Gap), Lee Byung-hoon (Dongnam-gu Eul), Lee Yong-bin (Gwangsan-gu Gap), Lee Hyung-seok (Buk-gu Eul), and Cho Oh-seop (Buk-gu Gap) are all first-term lawmakers.

Therefore, concerns have been raised that first-term lawmakers may find it difficult to exert significant influence in the National Assembly, highlighting the important role of the re-elected Representative Song.

A citizen, Jeong Mo (54), said, "With old politicians in Gwangju being replaced by new ones, expectations for this National Assembly are higher than ever," and added, "The role of re-elected Representative Song Gap-seok will be significant."

He continued, "With the giant ruling party holding 177 seats and the Democratic Party sweeping all of Gwangju, I hope these factors do not lead to arrogance and complacency but that they work solely for the citizens and the country."