Han Byungdo Elected as Ruling Party Floor Leader... Han Vows "Dialogue and Compromise With Opposition, Will End Political Strife"

Defeats Baek Hyeryeon in Runoff to Win Election
Han Byungdo: "Will Support the Success of the Lee Jaemyung Administration"

Han Byungdo, a three-term lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Iksan-eul, North Jeolla Province), was elected as the new floor leader on January 11.

Jin Sunmi, Chair of the Democratic Party’s Election Management Committee, announced at the general assembly of lawmakers held at the National Assembly in Yeouido that afternoon, “In accordance with Article 68 of Party Rule No. 4 on the Election of Party Officials, I declare that candidate number 1, Han Byungdo, has been elected as the new floor leader of the Democratic Party.”

In the first round of voting, none of the candidates-Han Byungdo, Baek Hyeryeon, Park Jeong, and Jin Sungjoon-secured a majority. Han Byungdo and Baek Hyeryeon, who received the most votes, advanced to the runoff.

According to the Democratic Party’s constitution and regulations, if there are three or more candidates and no one receives more than half the votes in the first round, a runoff is held between the two candidates with the most votes.

Han Byungdo will serve as floor leader for the remaining four months of the term, succeeding former floor leader Kim Byungki, who resigned before completing his term.

Yonhap News Agency

In his acceptance speech, Han Byungdo said, “Although the time granted to this floor leader is short, the responsibility given is greater and heavier than anything else. From this moment, I will swiftly resolve the series of confusions and urgently address the end of internal strife, prosecution reform, judicial reform, and improvements to people’s livelihoods.”

He added, “Our single goal is the success of President Lee Jaemyung. We will vigorously pursue the national agenda and rapidly improve people’s livelihoods to firmly support the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration.”

Regarding the June 3 local elections, he emphasized, “A major test lies ahead of us. While maintaining a humble and modest attitude, we will demonstrate the competence of the ruling party to the public and achieve a confident victory.”

On relations with the opposition, he stated, “We will recognize them as partners in governance and approach dialogue and compromise with an open mind. However, we will resolutely put an end to any acts that justify internal strife or hinder people’s livelihoods for political strife.”

To fellow party lawmakers, he urged, “As members of the ruling party in the National Assembly, please share the sense of responsibility with me. I will take the lead by example. I hope we can become reliable comrades who trust and depend on each other, and together, achieve the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration.”