'Reappointed' Byungdo Han Pays Courtesy Visit to Eonsuk Song... No Agreement Reached on Plenary Session Schedule

Han: "We Will Continue to Meet and Seek Agreement"

On May 14, with the 9th nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3 approaching, the ruling and opposition parties—who had been locked in a standoff—came face to face, prompted by the reappointment of Byungdo Han as Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Han and Eonsuk Song, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, suggested, "Let's work together for the operation of the National Assembly," but they were unable to finalize the schedule for the plenary session during their meeting on this day.

Byungdo Han, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.

That afternoon at the National Assembly, Floor Leader Han paid a courtesy visit to Floor Leader Song. This meeting, held in light of Han's reappointment, was also attended by Junho Cheon, Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Operations of the Democratic Party, and Sangbeom Yoo, Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Operations of the People Power Party. When Han visited Song's office, Song presented him with a congratulatory orchid arrangement bearing the message 'Bipartisan Cooperation.'

Floor Leader Song told Han, "Congratulations once again on your election," adding, "Even if we clash during elections, we must do our best in our roles as floor leaders to ensure the National Assembly operates smoothly." He continued, "(Although my term is almost over,) I will do my best to work harmoniously with Floor Leader Han during the remainder of my tenure so that the National Assembly can be well organized."

Floor Leader Han also remarked, "Although we are facing the local elections, I hope we can consult and work together so that the National Assembly operates smoothly." He went on to say, "I want to finish this term well," explaining, "That is what I wanted to convey by coming here."

On this day, the two parties discussed whether to hold a plenary session on May 20 to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly but failed to reach a conclusion. The discussions became heated at times. After the meeting, Floor Leader Han told reporters, "We discussed the legislative schedule for May," but added, "We have not reached an agreement yet." He further commented, "We will continue to meet and work toward an agreement."

Meanwhile, Floor Leader Song's term runs until June 16. There had been speculation that the People Power Party floor leader election might be held early, but it appears Song intends to serve out his full term. On May 6, Floor Leader Han became the first in the Democratic Party to be reappointed to the position.

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