Joo Ho-young Announces Candidacy for United Party Floor Leader... "Facing Harsh Reality, Will Prepare Thoroughly"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Joo Ho-young, the most senior lawmaker from the Yeongnam region and a member of the United Future Party, has officially declared his candidacy for the next floor leader.

On the 4th, Joo held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office and announced his candidacy, saying, "I will build a strong opposition party." He is one of the most senior lawmakers in the party, having been elected five consecutive terms in Daegu, and gained prominence by defeating Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party candidate, in the April 15 general election.

In his declaration, Joo stated, "The new floor leader faces numerous challenges such as forming the leadership team, negotiating the organization of the National Assembly, the integration issue with the Future Korea Party, resolving trials related to the fast-track process, and the reinstatement of independent elected members." He added, "Many said now is the time to step back and observe, but I have resolved that thinking only of personal comfort and holding back is a cowardly act," explaining his reason for running.

He emphasized, "Our party's consecutive election defeats were due to ignoring the massive flow of public sentiment. If we deeply reflect on our defeats and achieve bold innovation, the people will give us another chance," pledging to pursue sweeping reforms.

Joo said, "The urgent task is to reestablish the basics of a successful organization. It is important to never lose sight of public sentiment, clearly set the party's ideological coordinates, continuously educate party members, and unite all members to maximize capabilities." He particularly added, "I will pursue ethical rearmament that meets the public's expectations."

In the 21st National Assembly, where the United Future Party is expected to be overwhelmingly outnumbered compared to the 'super ruling party,' Joo highlighted his past successful negotiation experience. He said, "As the 18th floor deputy leader, I was directly involved in the opening negotiations and served as the policy committee chairman, gaining extensive negotiation experience including the Sewol ferry negotiations and public servant pension reform talks." He added, "Last year's fast-track political situation, where I devised and led the filibuster strategy, was possible because of this experience."

He continued, "I will lead a floor leader team that sincerely supports each lawmaker as a true constitutional institution and assists their legislative activities." He appealed, "I will actively oversee the fulfillment of each lawmaker's pledges and, when issues arise, gather opinions through party meetings to resolve all problems."

Regarding the party's direction, Joo emphasized, "Decisions will be made by gathering opinions from party members centered on the elected members' general meeting. It does not seem right for one or two people to strongly push and lead." He is one of the prominent senior lawmakers supporting the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee' system. On this, Joo said, "The plenary committee, which is equivalent to the party's highest decision-making body, has actually already approved it," but added, "How to resolve this issue will be decided by consensus at the elected members' general meeting."

When asked about the importance of the new floor leader's opinion, he said, "It is not right to focus the floor leader election solely on that topic. We must gather the will of the elected members and party members; it is not democratic to be led by one person's claim."

Regarding allegations of early voting manipulation raised mainly by conservative YouTubers and some lawmakers, Joo said, "It needs further study," withholding judgment. However, he added, "If there are sharp conflicts of opinion, state agencies should take the lead in clearly resolving the issue," and urged, "Relevant authorities must provide accurate answers to maintain election trust."

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