‘Lee Jae-myung Faction’ Park Hong-geun Elected as Floor Leader Leading 172-Seat ‘Major Opposition Party’ (Comprehensive)

A Civic Activist and Three-Term Lawmaker of Seoul Jungnang-gu Eul
Close Aide to the Late Park Won-soon, Serving as Secretary-General of Lee Jae-myung's Primary Campaign Headquarters

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Koo Chae-eun] Park Hong-geun, classified as pro-Lee Jae-myung faction and a three-term lawmaker representing Jungnang-eul, Seoul, was elected as the new floor leader of the Democratic Party, which will lead the 172-seat 'giant opposition party' against the Yoon Suk-yeol administration launching on May 10.

Park, the new floor leader, was elected after the third round of voting at a party meeting held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 24th, defeating pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in) lawmaker Park Kwang-on to take the new floor leader position.

In his policy speech that day, he said, "First is unity, second is unity, I will do my utmost to unite our hearts and wills as one," adding, "I will devote everything to making a strong Democratic Party." Park pledged, "We will definitely accomplish the legislative agenda for livelihood reform," and "We will push forward the Daejang-dong special prosecution and political reform legislation as soon as possible. We will definitely produce results in prosecutorial and media reform."

Park received over 10% support in the first round of voting, which proceeded without any candidates withdrawing, advancing to the second round. In the second round, he ranked among the top two along with Park Kwang-on but did not secure a majority, leading to a runoff vote. In the subsequent runoff, he succeeded in gaining the highest number of votes, defeating Park Kwang-on and winning the election. The Democratic Party did not disclose the number of votes in all three rounds of voting.

Park Hong-geun, Chairman of the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee, is presiding over the Adjustment Subcommittee of the 2nd Supplementary Budget Bill for 2021 at the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Special Committee held at the National Assembly on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

After the launch of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, Park’s immediate tasks include setting the initial relationship between the ruling and opposition parties and securing victory in the June 1 local elections, which are 69 days away. He is also tasked with managing the party still suffering from the aftermath of the presidential election defeat and awaiting the organization of the National Assembly.

He stated, "I will thoroughly prepare for and lead the negotiations for the second half organization of the National Assembly, including the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee," and "I will firmly lay the foundation for victories in the local and general elections." He also expressed his stance against 'political retaliation.' Park said, "Looking at Yoon Suk-yeol’s arrogance and lack of communication, and his hostile attitude toward the Moon Jae-in administration, it is serious," adding, "If political retaliation becomes a reality, I will fight with everything I have. I will definitely protect President Moon Jae-in and Senior Adviser Lee Jae-myung."

Meanwhile, Park, the youngest member of the '86 generation' (students of the 1980s and born in the 1960s) student activist group, served as president of the student council during his time at Kyung Hee University and then engaged in civic activism. He was active in civil society as an operating committee member of the Civil Society Coalition and co-representative of the Seoul Citizens Forum before formally entering politics by joining the formation of the United Democratic Party ahead of the 2008 presidential election.

After gaining experience as a secretary in the 18th National Assembly, he entered Yeouido in the 19th general election, winning three consecutive terms representing Jungnang-eul, Seoul, and was elected as the Democratic Party floor leader on this day.

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