Woo Won-sik elected as National Assembly Speaker candidate, defeating Chu Mi-ae... Lee Jae-myung says "Winner's judgment reflects party sentiment" (Comprehensive)

Woo Won-sik "No internal controversy over Myeongsim (明心)"
Strong supporters' backlash inevitable... Jeong Cheong-rae "Sorry to party members and supporters"

Five-term Woo Won-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, was elected as the candidate for Speaker of the 22nd National Assembly's first half, defeating six-term Chu Mi-ae. Although Chu was expected to win the Speaker candidacy with strong support from her hardline base, this result is interpreted as an unexpected upset. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, briefly stated, "The judgment of the elected candidate reflects the party's will (黨心)."

Woo Won-sik, the candidate elected as the Speaker of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering an acceptance speech at the elected members' general meeting held on the 16th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building for the selection of the Speaker candidates for the 22nd National Assembly's first half. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the morning of the 16th, Woo was elected as the Speaker candidate at the Democratic Party's 22nd National Assembly first half Speaker candidate election winners' general meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, securing a majority of votes out of 169 attendees. Chu ran in a two-person race but was defeated by Woo.

Accepting his election, Woo said, "The public agreed with the leadership and social direction shown by Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader, through the election, and with the elected candidate's cooperation, we were able to win the election." He added, "As Speaker, I will lead the first half of the 22nd National Assembly well, based on whether it helps the people and is right." Furthermore, he emphasized, "It will be a completely different National Assembly from the 21st. If there is any deviation, regression, or delay against public sentiment, I will handle it according to the National Assembly Act. The Speaker is not just a simple moderator."

Woo's victory is regarded as an upset. Many lawmakers could not hide their surprise upon hearing the news of Woo's election. The political circle had expected that Chu, supported by the pro-Lee faction, would likely be elected as Speaker candidate. Six-term Jo Jung-sik, classified as pro-Lee, initially ran for Speaker candidate but withdrew after declaring support for Chu. Five-term Jung Sung-ho, considered a leader of the pro-Lee faction, also withdrew from the Speaker candidacy, leading to interpretations that the pro-Lee faction's heart, or Lee's intention, leaned toward Chu.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the elected members' general meeting held on the 16th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building to select candidates for the 22nd National Assembly Speaker for the first half of the term. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Lee maintained a principled stance. After the winners' general meeting, he told reporters, "Any candidate will perform the Speaker role excellently." When asked if the party's will was with Chu, he replied, "Since it is the judgment of the elected candidate, I think that should be considered the party's will." Regarding criticism that his intention influenced the Speaker election process, he said, "I was just one vote as well."

Woo emphasized that Lee's intention did not shake the Speaker candidate election. Woo said, "There was much controversy about the pro-Lee faction, but internally it did not exist," adding, "I don't see this as an upset; they must have chosen me because they know the elected lawmakers well."

However, backlash from the hardline support base is expected to be inevitable. Hardline Democratic Party supporters wanted to pressure the Yoon Seok-youl administration centered around Chu. On the same day, Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Cheong-rae wrote on his Facebook, "A party where members are the owners still has a long way to go. I apologize to the wounded members and supporters," and added, "Nevertheless, we must move forward. Let's unite tightly around Leader Lee and head toward regime change."