Han Byungdo: "People Power Party Recognized as Negotiation Partner... Will Sit Down Together for Discussions" (Comprehensive)

Han Byungdo, the newly appointed floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 11th, "The People Power Party is also a key pillar of state affairs, so we will recognize them as a negotiation partner and sit down together for discussions."

Han Byungdo, the newly appointed floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference with reporters at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

At a press conference with reporters that afternoon, Floor Leader Han said, "There are so many livelihood and reform bills, as well as special prosecutor-related issues to address, that I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility."

He added, "If there are issues where consultations with the People Power Party are not progressing well, I will lead the floor with a firm stance based on principles," and emphasized, "We must properly resolve the current issues in order to work responsibly as the ruling party."

Han further explained, "When there are pending issues or points of contention, we will activate a system in which the floor leader always discusses and deliberates in advance with the chief floor secretary, policy chief, and the relevant standing committees before reaching a conclusion," adding, "For the key policy tasks of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the party, government, and presidential office will convene within the next month to discuss and then determine which items to focus on moving forward."

Regarding the so-called 'discord between the party and the presidential office,' Han said, "I understood it as merely a difference in perspectives," and added, "I believe it is the ruling party's competence to minimize even those differences when making announcements, and I will work to ensure such a system functions effectively."

On the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill (regarding insurrection, Kim Keonhee, and the Marine Corps) as well as the special prosecutor bills on the Unification Church and Shincheonji, Han stated, "My basic position is that our goal is to pass them at the plenary session on the 15th."

Regarding Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byungki's voluntary departure from the party, Han said, "It is not appropriate to respond immediately," adding, "The very fact that such issues arise is not in line with the Democratic Party's values. We must always be cautious, keep ourselves in check, and reflect on our actions."

On the party-wide investigation into allegations of nomination bribes, Han said, "It is true that such measures are not very effective," but added, "If it is conducted at the provincial party level, it may be necessary, as it can serve as a mechanism to raise awareness among those seeking to run for office." Regarding the opposition's repeated calls for special prosecutors, he commented, "If we call for a special prosecutor every time an issue arises, things will become too chaotic."