Woo Won-sik "The Most Important Task for the Republic of Korea is Resolving Conflict and Division" [Yoon Seok-yeol Dismissal]

"The National Assembly-Government Policy Council Must Play a Clear Role"

Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik emphasized the unity of our community following the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 4th. He also urged the political sphere to take on leadership based on inclusion and solidarity.

On the same day, Speaker Woo expressed his reflections on the political turning point of impeaching a sitting president and his views on the role of the political sphere through a special statement at the National Assembly. He said, "The most important issue that South Korea must resolve now is to overcome extreme conflict and division," adding, "The wounds are deep and painful. We cannot move forward without a path of recovery and healing."

Speaker Woo Won-shik is delivering a national address at the National Assembly on April 4, 2025, following the Constitutional Court's dismissal ruling against former President Yoon Seok-yeol. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Speaker Woo stated, "Let us work together so that today's decision becomes a new turning point for South Korea," and added, "There is no left or right, no gender, class, region, generation, or religion in the heart that worries about the country." He continued, "There is something essential to gather all hearts," emphasizing, "Even if opinions differ, we must respect each other and never forget that we are all citizens of South Korea."

He also called for efforts from the political sphere. He said, "Resolving differences and conflicts in political positions within the framework of the Constitution and laws and sublimating diversity into competitiveness is what politics must do," urging, "Let us stop all acts that incite confrontation, conflict, and division, and banish the language of extreme confrontation." He added, "Although it may seem like gaining more votes in the short term, it is an act that undermines the political foundation and social trust," and earnestly requested, "Leaders should set an example of inclusion and solidarity. I sincerely hope that with leadership for unity, they will bring comfort to the hearts of the people who are exhausted to the utmost."

Regarding future political management, Speaker Woo also emphasized that the National Assembly must take the lead. He said, "Currently, the National Assembly is the only constitutional institution with democratic legitimacy," and stated, "We will strengthen communication and cooperation among political parties and between the National Assembly and the government to minimize the administrative vacuum." He further noted, "The rapidly progressing presidential election schedule should not become a black hole for national issues, so the National Assembly-Government Policy Council must play a clear role," and stressed, "It is important to thoroughly manage urgent tasks, including the swift supplementary budget."