Han Ducksoo's Quiet Policy Speech Amid Opposition's Strategic Silence... Commotion in the Chamber Following Woo Wonsik's Stern Remarks

Democratic Party Maintains 'Strategic Silence' to Block Presidential Bid Pretext
Han Appeals for 'Cooperation to Overcome Crisis,' Receiving Applause from People Power Party
Does Not Respond to Questions About Presidential Candidacy

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo's policy speech on the supplementary budget proceeded calmly, with Democratic Party lawmakers remaining silent and People Power Party lawmakers showing support. However, after the speech, when Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Wonsik criticized Han's nomination of a Constitutional Court justice and other issues, the People Power Party protested, causing commotion in the chamber. Han left the National Assembly without responding to reporters' questions about a potential presidential bid.

On April 24, Han delivered his policy speech on the supplementary budget for about 20 minutes at the National Assembly plenary session. During his address, Han emphasized the background and details of the supplementary budget, as well as his determination to overcome the crisis. Throughout the speech, Democratic Party lawmakers responded with deliberate silence. The previous day, the Democratic Party leadership had decided to adopt a 'silent response' strategy, aiming to avoid giving Han any pretext for a presidential run and to prevent public backlash by refraining from an aggressive response.

Prime Minister and Acting President Han Ducksoo delivers a policy speech on the supplementary budget bill at the National Assembly plenary session on April 24, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Progressive parties, including the Progressive Party and the Social Democratic Party, placed signs reading "Stop the Treasonous Negotiations" in front of their monitors on the plenary podium in protest against ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. As Han began his speech, these lawmakers shouted, "Apologize for the crime of rebellion!" before leaving the chamber.

Overall, Han's policy speech continued without the usual jeers or shouting often seen during government questioning sessions, as the opposition parties maintained a calm response.

Toward the end of his speech, when Han said, "Just as we have overcome countless crises together with one heart, I am confident that if we trust and cooperate with each other again this time, we will be able to successfully resolve the difficult challenges ahead of us," People Power Party lawmakers applauded. Even immediately after the speech concluded, People Power Party lawmakers responded with applause.

However, after Han's speech ended and Speaker Woo Wonsik began to speak, the plenary chamber became disorderly. Woo pointed out, "Contrary to the government's promises, the actual early execution of the government budget has been quite poor," and added, "Given the government's explanations for delaying the supplementary budget, this is regrettable." He continued, "As Speaker, I cannot avoid making a statement," and delivered a pointed remark, further increasing the commotion. Woo stated, "As already confirmed by a Constitutional Court ruling, the idea that the powers of the president and the acting president are identical is unconstitutional," and urged, "Acting President Han should clearly distinguish between duties he must perform, such as attending government questioning sessions and recommending special prosecutors, and those he should not, such as nominating Constitutional Court justices."

On the 24th, after Acting President Han Ducksoo's supplementary budget speech at the National Assembly plenary session, Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, spoke, and Kwon Sungdong, floor leader of the People Power Party, protested. 2025.4.24 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

As the People Power Party floor leadership and others gathered around the Speaker's podium to protest Woo's remarks, Woo responded, "I am not speaking from the perspective of any political faction. During the period of emergency martial law, impeachment, and the removal of the president, the lives of our people have suffered greatly. At such times, I am emphasizing that the Prime Minister, who assists the president, must act with a sense of responsibility." While People Power Party lawmakers protested during Woo's remarks, Democratic Party lawmakers applauded and expressed support for the Speaker. Some lawmakers gave him a thumbs-up. During Woo's critical comments, Han was also seen nodding his head.

After the policy speech ended, Han promptly exited the main building of the National Assembly. Reporters asked Han whether he planned to run for president, but he left the main building without answering any questions.