Choo Kyung-ho Elected as Ruling Party Floor Leader... "Unified Front of 108 Members for a Competent Party" (Comprehensive)

Among 102 Attendees, 'Majority' Wins 70 Votes
"Targeting the Gap in 192 Seats... Must Unite Closely"

Choo Kyung-ho, a member of the People Power Party (Daegu Dalseong, 3rd term), emphasized party unity on the 9th as his first statement after being elected floor leader, saying, "If the unified front of 108 members is disrupted, we can do nothing."

After being elected in the People Power Party floor leader election held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the same day, Choo said in his remarks, "We must become a competent party focused on people’s livelihood and policy. We say we must win the local elections and the presidential election by becoming a powerful party that gains public sympathy and trust, but it is a very difficult task."

Earlier, Choo secured a majority with 70 votes out of 108 newly elected People Power Party lawmakers in the 22nd National Assembly, with 102 participating in the election, confirming his victory without a runoff. His competitors, Lee Jong-bae (Chungbuk Chungju, 4th term) and Song Seok-jun (Gyeonggi Icheon, 3rd term), received 21 and 11 votes respectively, falling short.

Choo first expressed gratitude to lawmakers, party officials, and party members, saying, "In this grave time, you have given much support to a person with shortcomings and entrusted me with the role of the first floor leader of the 22nd National Assembly." He also thanked his competitors Lee and Song, adding, "I will take to heart the words of the two candidates and work together with them to make our party healthier, stronger, and more vigorous. I ask for your support."

Chu Kyung-ho, the newly appointed floor leader of the People Power Party, is delivering his acceptance speech at the 22nd floor leader election winners' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Choo, who stressed the need to prevent defections within the party and maintain a unified front, said, "The 192-seat opposition will keep looking for gaps. We must remain unwavering here," adding, "Let us discuss together within the party, think together to create good alternatives, and unite tightly as a single front. Then we can confidently face the 192 seats."

He continued, "Never be discouraged; if we work together, we can do well. We are elite survivors from the fierce battlefield of the last election," urging, "We must not forget this fact as we engage in legislative activities."

He further emphasized, "Our legislative activities must create the safe return of comrades who could not survive with us on this battlefield."

Regarding negotiations with the opposition and communication within the floor and between the party and government, he said, "I will listen to the lawmakers and build things one by one," stressing, "Let us restore truly competent and dignified politics and parliamentary politics."