Han Quickly Finalizes Floor Leadership Team with 'Do-or-Die' Resolve... Ruling Party Troubled by Kim Byungki's Retrial Request

Following the Appointment of Chief Deputy Floor Leader, Spokespersons and Deputy Floor Leaders Also Named
Han: "Tightening My Shoelaces and Giving My All"
Concerns Within the Party Over Kim Byungki's Retrial Request
Park Suhyeon: "An Unimaginable Situation"

Han Byungdo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, finalized the appointments for key positions on January 13, just two days after his election. The appointments included the chief deputy floor leader, chief of staff, floor spokesperson, and deputy floor leaders. This swift formation of the floor leadership team appears to be aimed at preparing for the June 3 local elections and securing the initiative in parliamentary negotiations.

However, the situation has become complicated ahead of the local elections as Assemblyman Kim Byungki, who was expelled by the party's Ethics Tribunal, has filed for a retrial.

On the morning of January 13, Floor Leader Han appointed Assemblyman Lee Kiheon as chief of staff and retained the current floor spokespersons, Assembly members Kim Hyunjung, Moon Geumju, and Baek Seunga.

He also appointed the following as deputy floor leaders: Kim Gipyo, Kim Namgeun, Kim Donga, Kim Moonsu, Kim Seonghoe, Kim Junhyeok, Park Mingyu, Park Yonggap, Park Hongbae, An Taejun, Oh Sehee, Lee Sangsik, Lee Yongwoo, Lee Junghun, Lee Juhui, Lee Hungi, Jeon Jinsuk, and Cho Incheol.

On the previous day, Assemblyman Chun Junho was appointed as chief operating deputy floor leader, while Kim Hankyu and Jeon Yonggi were named chief policy deputy floor leader and chief communications deputy floor leader, respectively. With these appointments, the leadership team was completed within two days.

At the floor strategy meeting that day, Floor Leader Han stated, "I will overcome this crisis with a do-or-die determination," adding, "For the success of the Lee Jaemyung people's government and Korea's great leap forward, I will tighten my shoelaces and give my all once again."

Han Byungdo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on January 13, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Although the Democratic Party is quickly reorganizing its parliamentary structure, the controversy surrounding Assemblyman Kim has not subsided. As Assemblyman Kim objected to the Ethics Tribunal's expulsion decision, the political burden has increased.

The Ethics Tribunal is required to review and make a decision on the case within 60 days from the date the retrial request is received.

However, considering factors such as public sentiment ahead of the local elections, it is expected that the review and decision on the retrial case will proceed swiftly.

Park Suhyeon, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, said on CBS Radio that day, "Even if Assemblyman Kim files for a retrial, we expect the process won't take long and that it could reach the general assembly procedure by next week."

Former Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-ki, who is suspected of various corrupt practices including nomination bribery, is attending the Democratic Party Ethics Committee held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on January 12, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyun-min