Han Byungdo Backs Lee Kwangjae in Hanam-gap By-election... "Considering Formation of Regional Pending Issues TF"

First On-Site Activity after Reappointment as Floor Leader

Lee Kwangjae Proposes 21 Legislative Measures for Hanam’s Seven Major Longstanding Issues

Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Lee Kwangjae, the candidate running in the National Assembly by-election for Hanam-gap District in Gyeonggi Province, on May 8 for his first on-site activity since being reappointed.

On this day, Floor Leader Han visited the 'Camp Colbern' site in Hanam and pledged legislative support for the seven major long-standing issues of the Hanam region. The on-site press conference was attended by Floor Leader Han, candidate Lee, Assemblyman Kim Yongman (Hanam-eul District), and Kang Byungdeok, the Hanam mayoral candidate.

Yonhap News Agency

Referring to his relationship with candidate Lee, Floor Leader Han said, "During the 17th National Assembly, when I first became a lawmaker, we established a group called the Parliamentary Research Center and worked together. Even then, Lee Kwangjae had a reputation for being a highly capable lawmaker."

He continued, "President Lee Jaemyung, who previously served as governor of Gyeonggi Province, Chu Mi-ae, the Gyeonggi gubernatorial candidate from Hanam-gap, and candidate Lee, who has experience in both government and provincial administration, form a one-team. Hanam will become a model city demonstrating how the Democratic Party builds an effective local government."

Floor Leader Han stated, "Hanam is one of the most promising cities in Korea, but it is also a city with many long-standing unmet needs. The subway, awaited for 18 years, and the transportation network, which has been stagnant for over a decade—Hanam is a microcosm of Korea." He added, "Upon reviewing the seven major legislative tasks proposed by candidate Lee, I see that they address issues faced by urban centers nationwide and are livelihood issues that go beyond party lines."

He said, "During my term as floor leader, I will make every effort to ensure that key legislation passes the National Assembly. After the local elections, I will consider forming a 'Task Force for Supporting Regional Long-Standing Issues Legislation' under the floor leader's direct supervision." He emphasized, "We will link relevant standing committee secretaries and the policy committee to quickly review legislative paths for each task and ensure that bills do not stall in the assembly, with the Democratic Party taking responsibility."

Among the seven major issues is the utilization of public land, such as the Camp Colbern site, which was discussed at the press conference. Camp Colbern is a former U.S. military site in Korea, covering 234,000 square meters. Development had been halted for nearly 20 years, but a preferred negotiation partner was selected in February this year.

Candidate Lee emphasized, "There are 30 million square meters (9.4 million pyeong) of national and public land in Hanam City, appraised at 12 trillion won, that remain tied up. We need to pave the way to utilize this land directly by revising the State Property Act."

He added, "In advanced countries, there are compensation systems when greenbelt areas are designated. Korea should also improve the utilization of damaged greenbelt zones and ensure that areas with conservation value are preserved as green spaces, creating a pleasant city."

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