Jin Sunmi Appointed as Chair of Floor Leader By-election Committee, Hong Giwon as Vice Chair
Moon Jinseok to Serve as Acting Floor Leader According to Party Rules
Following the resignation of Kim Byungki, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, the party leadership has decided to hold a by-election for the floor leader position on January 11 next month, coinciding with the by-election for the Supreme Council member.
On December 30, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Park Suhyeon, Chief Spokesperson of the Democratic Party, met with reporters after a closed Supreme Council meeting and stated, "The by-election for the floor leader will be held on January 11, the same date as the by-election for the Supreme Council member." The party member vote for the floor leader will take place over three days, from January 9 to 11, and the results will be announced together with the Supreme Council by-election results on January 11. The newly elected floor leader will lead the Democratic Party for the remaining five months of Kim's term.
The Floor Leader By-election Management Committee will be chaired by Assemblywoman Jin Sunmi, with Assemblyman Hong Giwon as vice chair. Assembly members Jeong Eulho, Lee Giheon, and Lee Juhui will serve as committee members.
Chief Spokesperson Park said, "At the closed Supreme Council meeting, Party Leader Jeong Cheongrae highly praised Floor Leader Kim Byungki for his accomplishments in advancing reform legislation and achieving significant results. However, since the resignation was due to personal matters, he expressed hope that the situation will be managed and resolved well going forward."
Until the new floor leader is elected, according to the party's constitution and regulations, Moon Jinseok, Deputy Floor Leader for Operations, will serve as acting floor leader.
The previous day, reports emerged that Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sunwoo had discussed countermeasures with then-floor leader Kim Byungki, who was serving as secretary of the nomination management committee, regarding allegations that a Seoul city council candidate received money during the 8th local elections in 2022. In response, Party Leader Jeong instructed the Ethics and Inspection Team to conduct a fact-finding investigation into Assemblywoman Kang.
When asked by reporters whether Assemblyman Kim Byungki would also be subject to the ethics inspection, Chief Spokesperson Park replied, "I believe he will naturally be included," but added, "However, the ethics inspection regarding Floor Leader Kim is a separate matter."
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