Woo Won-sik "Never Considered Running for Presidency... Fulfilling Role Given by Constitution"

Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik stated on the 19th that he has "not yet considered" the possibility of running for the presidency, which has been raised by some quarters.

At a press briefing with foreign correspondents held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Woo responded to the question, "Are you interested in running for president?" by saying this. He added, "As the Speaker, I am truly grateful for the great interest from many citizens," and said, "I have only quietly fulfilled the role entrusted to me by the Constitution."

Earlier, Woo was evaluated as having led the National Assembly steadily during the recent December 3 emergency martial law situation. In a Gallup Korea survey released on the 13th, he ranked first in trustworthiness among key figures, surpassing party leaders and the prime minister.

Woo said, "This evaluation is not so much about me personally but rather a recognition given to the members of the National Assembly who participated in the vote within two and a half hours during the completely unexpected emergency martial law situation, as well as to the citizens and National Assembly staff," adding, "I feel a sense of responsibility to develop the interest that has gathered around the National Assembly after a long time."

He continued, "I believe it is the responsibility of the Speaker to properly establish the National Assembly as the last bastion of democracy," and added, "I became Speaker through a fierce election, and my term lasts until May 30, 2026. I have not yet considered challenging the presidential election."

Regarding the judicial risks faced by Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Woo avoided a direct answer, saying, "Right now, we need to focus on efforts to quickly restore stability in the Republic of Korea, which was shaken by the martial law, and to rapidly recover our national defense and economy."

Woo Won-shik, Speaker of the National Assembly, is holding a foreign press conference on the 19th at Sarangjae, the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group