Democratic Party Becomes 'Super Ruling Party', Begins Preparing for Speaker and Floor Leader Elections

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea has begun preparations for the next National Assembly Speaker and party leadership elections. Having achieved a 'super majority' in the 21st National Assembly elections, the party holds formidable power and can influence the evaluation of the Moon Jae-in administration's second half governance, leading to intense behind-the-scenes activities within the party.

According to the Democratic Party on the 20th, Representative Park Byeong-seok (6-term, Daejeon Seo-gu Gap) and Representative Kim Jin-pyo (5-term, Gyeonggi Suwon-si Mu) are being mentioned as candidates for the 21st National Assembly Speaker. As the head of the legislative branch and second in the national protocol order, the Speaker is elected by secret ballot in the plenary session after each party nominates candidates through internal primaries, and has traditionally been selected from the ruling party.

Representative Park has actively expressed his intention to run for the next Speaker by posting on his Facebook during the last campaign, stating, "I will completely change the National Assembly. Leading candidate for Speaker." According to party insiders, Park's advantages include being the most senior member and representing the Chungcheong region amid the strengthened Yeonghonam regional divide. He previously ran in the party's internal primary for Speaker in the 20th general election but was defeated by Moon Hee-sang and Chung Sye-kyun.

Representative Kim is noted for leading the bipartisan COVID-19 national crisis response meeting, which is seen as an advantage in bridging progressives and conservatives. Given the Democratic Party's landslide victory, there is an analysis that a figure who can reflect the opposition's voice is needed. Kim's experience as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and as the head of the Moon Jae-in administration's transition committee, making him a leading economic expert within the party, is also considered a strength. However, Kim's side has not yet declared an intention to run for Speaker.

Meanwhile, intense behind-the-scenes efforts are underway for the Democratic Party floor leader election scheduled for the 7th of next month. The floor leader is usually held by 3rd or 4th-term members, with Representatives Kim Tae-nyeon, Jeon Hae-cheol, Yoon Ho-jung, and Noh Woong-rae being mentioned so far. Kim is expected to leverage his experience as policy chief for two years in the 20th National Assembly to appeal to party members. Representative Jeon, considered one of the 'Pro-Moon Jae-in Three Cheols (Yang Jeong-cheol, Lee Ho-cheol, Jeon Hae-cheol),' served as a budget committee secretary in the 20th Assembly and is likely to emphasize his role in communication between the party and the Blue House. Secretary-General Yoon, who played a key role as head of the election campaign headquarters, brings significant weight to the race. Although Noh is 'anti-Moon Jae-in,' he emphasizes communication among lawmakers as his strength and is expected to make his fourth attempt following the 20th Assembly.

Regarding this, a Democratic Party official said, "Most lawmakers with more than two terms have clear 'factions' and are unlikely to move, but first-term lawmakers, whose factions are not yet distinct, will be the main targets for candidates' appeals."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.