Debate for the Democratic Party's 2nd Term Floor Leader Candidates Held on June 10
Seo Youngkyo and Kim Byungki Pledge to End the Rebellion and Restore Livelihoods
Emphasize Communication Within the Party, with the Government, and with the Opposition
Promise Swift Special Prosecutor Appointment and Legislative Reforms
Seo Youngkyo and Kim Byungki, who are running as candidates for the 2nd term floor leader of the Democratic Party, both pledged to do their utmost to bring an end to the rebellion and restore people's livelihoods if elected. They emphasized that, as representatives of the ruling party, they would promote communication not only within the party but also with the government and opposition parties.
At the joint debate for the Democratic Party's 2nd term floor leader candidates held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido on June 10, Seo stated in her closing remarks, "Based on my entire career, I will ensure the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration," and added, "With the two wings of ending the rebellion on one side and restoring livelihoods on the other, I will help the Lee Jaemyung administration succeed and bring about a new leap forward for the Korean economy."
In his final speech, Kim said, "It was an honor to stand with party members and fellow lawmakers through the night of the rebellion, the impeachment, and the presidential election process," and added, "If we move forward together, the Lee Jaemyung administration will surely succeed." He continued, "We will revitalize the Dangjeongdae (Party-Government-Presidential Office) Euljiro Committee and actively pursue a fast-track process for livelihood-related legislation, such as the Online Platform Act," and "We will establish a new Deputy Floor Leader for Livelihood Affairs to represent legislative initiatives for people's livelihoods and to listen to a diverse range of voices within the party."
Asked about the goals for the 2nd term floor leadership, both candidates emphasized the end of the rebellion. Seo said, "We have handled all three major special prosecutor bills in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, so we understand them thoroughly," and added, "I will move most swiftly to recommend a special prosecutor so that the investigation can proceed quickly."
Seo further stated, "Through the appointment of a special prosecutor, we will uncover and eradicate all acts of rebellion that the prosecution and the National Intelligence Service have concealed." She added, "To achieve a complete end to the rebellion, we need reforms in the prosecution, judiciary, broadcasting, and media. Regarding prosecution reform, we will separate indictment and investigative powers. Regarding judicial reform, we will strictly address intervention in state affairs, politics, and presidential elections. For media reform, we will ensure the passage of the three broadcasting laws."
Kim, responding to the same question, said, "There is a mountain of things to uncover, such as who planned the rebellion and how extensive it was," and added, "If I become floor leader, I will mobilize all available means in the National Assembly, including all standing committees, special committees, and hearings, to reveal the substance and scale of the rebellion." He also said, "We will overhaul and legislate related systems so that no one dares to attempt another rebellion," and added, "This is the kind of work the National Intelligence Service has long handled, so I am confident in our ability to do it well."
Given the party's large number of seats, Seo promised to gather diverse opinions within the party by promoting regular consultative bodies between standing committees and the government, as well as listening sessions based on lawmakers' seniority. Kim pledged to form expert groups by field.
They also stressed the importance of communication with the government and opposition parties as the ruling party. Kim said, "We will recognize the opposition as a dialogue partner and work to restore politics," and added, "While we will not compromise on illegality or injustice, we will seek ways to achieve mutual coexistence." He also pledged to establish regular meetings between ruling party lawmakers and ministers or vice ministers through standing committees, activate party-government consultative councils, and form a task force (TF) to monitor the implementation of regional pledges.
Seo said, "I will propose a ruling-opposition-government consultative body so that both sides can work together to realize the people's voice." However, regarding the People Power Party's claim that the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee should go to the opposition, she said, "People Power Party should not even dream of it," and added, "The two-year term is fixed, and the number of seats is fixed, so it cannot be handed over to the opposition."
Meanwhile, regarding reports that Kim's wife allegedly lobbied the National Intelligence Service for their son's employment, Kim told reporters, "Regardless of the election outcome, I will request an investigation into this matter to uncover the truth."
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