Democratic Party Floor Leader By-Election: Han Byungdo and Paek Hyeryeon Advance to Runoff... "Will Ensure Success of Lee Administration"

General Assembly for Election of Ruling Party Floor Leader Held on January 11
No Majority Winner, Runoff Between Top Two Vote-Getters
Emphasis on Ending Rebellion, Victory in Local Elections, and Reform Legislation

In the by-election for the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, where four candidates (Park Jeong, Paek Hyeryeon, Jin Sungjun, and Han Byungdo) declared their candidacies, no candidate secured a majority of votes, leading to a runoff between the two leading vote-getters, Han Byungdo and Paek Hyeryeon.

Yonhap News Agency

At the general assembly of Democratic Party lawmakers held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on January 11, Jin Sunmi, the election committee chair of the Democratic Party, announced, "As no candidate has received a majority of votes, we will conduct a runoff between Han Byungdo and Paek Hyeryeon, the two candidates with the highest number of votes." According to the party's constitution and regulations, if there are three or more candidates in the first round and no one receives more than half of the votes, a second round is held between the top two candidates. In the second round, the candidate with the most votes is elected.

Paek Hyeryeon stated, "I would like to express my deep respect and gratitude to Park Jeong and Jin Sungjun, who competed alongside me. The sense of responsibility and awareness of issues they have demonstrated are invaluable assets that the Democratic Party must carry forward," adding, "I will take the reasons and concerns of the lawmakers and party members who supported these two candidates as the starting point for my own judgment."

Paek Hyeryeon continued, "Now that I have reached the runoff, I am keenly aware of the weight of this vote. Today's choice is about determining who can most quickly assess the current crisis, make decisive decisions, and see them through to the end," and added, "Not every decision may be welcomed, but I will not delay making necessary choices at critical moments. I will always take responsibility under my own name."

Paek Hyeryeon also stated, "A system that repeatedly makes exceptions is not a true system. I will ensure that the system operates on principles and procedures, thereby increasing stability and predictability," and emphasized, "I will not make compromises without clear standards even in relations with opposition parties."

She further declared, "As a leader with the ability to unite diverse voices, I will achieve victory for the Democratic Party and ensure the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration. I am determined to overcome the current crisis and, together with you, secure victory in the local elections. I truly want to work hard."

Han Byungdo also said, "I would like to offer words of comfort and gratitude to Park Jeong and Jin Sungjun. I believe the sincerity and love for the Democratic Party shown by both candidates are shared by myself and all the lawmakers present here."

Han Byungdo stated, "Every moment counts right now. Time is being wasted when we need to address the second comprehensive special investigation, special investigations into the Unification Church and Shincheonji, and the Lee Jaemyung administration's livelihood and reform legislation," adding, "Starting tomorrow, we must resolve this confusion and address the urgent issues at hand swiftly."

He continued, "We need a floor leader who is experienced and capable. I, Han Byungdo, am confident that I am ready. Having served as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs and Deputy Floor Leader for Operations, I know better than anyone how legislation, budgets, and policies are implemented, and I will build a more competent Democratic Party."

Han Byungdo went on to say, "As the secretary for the parliamentary investigation into the rebellion, I have experience investigating the 12·3 Martial Law, and I will see through to the legislation needed to end the rebellion. I will also handle livelihood legislation with both competence and flexibility, negotiating fiercely but remaining firm against any attempts to paralyze state affairs."

In conclusion, Han Byungdo said, "Our goal is clear: the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration. The Democratic Party's success is Lee Jaemyung's success, and Lee Jaemyung's success is the Democratic Party's success." He added, "Let us all tighten our shoelaces. I, Han Byungdo, will lead by example. I will respond not with words, but with actions and results."

The results of the runoff vote are scheduled to be announced after 7 p.m. on this day.