Han Byungdo Resigns as Floor Leader to Seek Re-Election: "Will Find Ways to Contribute Even More" (Comprehensive)

Han Byungdo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, resigned on the 21st to seek re-election. Regarding the negotiations for the composition of the National Assembly in the latter half of the term, he stated, "We cannot continue the old practices of dividing up positions for personal gain."

At his resignation press conference held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Han said, "As the saying goes, 'Well begun is half done,' and once you start something, you must see it through to the end," adding, "Based on the achievements of the past 100 days, I will seek ways to contribute even more to the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and the victory of the Democratic Party."

Floor Leader Han cited the completion of prosecutorial and judicial reforms, the advancement of a second comprehensive special prosecutor, and uncovering the truth behind the alleged fabricated indictments by President Yoon Suk Yeol's political prosecutors as his major accomplishments. Additionally, he mentioned as achievements over the past 100 days the passage of a special law on investments in the United States in response to the Korea-U.S. customs negotiations, emergency economic measures in response to the Middle East war and the processing of a 26 trillion won supplementary war budget, as well as the push for constitutional amendment after 39 years and the restoration of bipartisan cooperation.

Han Byungdo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at a press conference on current issues held at the National Assembly on the 21st. Floor Leader Han was elected through a by-election following the resignation of former Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki and led the Democratic Party for 101 days. On this day, Floor Leader Han resigned from his position and will run in the upcoming floor leader election scheduled for May. 2026.4.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Han presented the pursuit of a special prosecutor for fabricated indictments, constitutional amendment, and victory in the local elections as future tasks. He also emphasized, "To ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, all major legislative agendas must be completed by December this year."

Regarding the allocation of standing committees in the latter half of the term, he explained, "The tradition of dividing standing committees between the ruling and opposition parties has meaning only under the premise that it encourages competition for better work," and added, "If that intention is lost, what is the point of dividing the committees? The principle is that dividing them up for personal gain is unacceptable." He continued, "Once the National Assembly Speaker is elected, I will discuss this matter with the Speaker and also have serious discussions within the Democratic Party to ensure that it is handled according to the fundamental principles."

On the timing of the special prosecutor for fabricated indictments, he stated, "We will proceed calmly in accordance with the law, principles, and the National Assembly Act, without considering political gains or losses, once the parliamentary investigation is concluded," adding, "Through the parliamentary investigation, many testimonies and evidence supporting the need for a special prosecutor have emerged, and preparations for the special prosecutor bill are already underway. Once the conclusions are reached, we will push ahead without hesitation according to the procedures of the National Assembly Act."

Floor Leader Han was elected in a by-election after former Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki (currently independent) resigned amid various allegations in January. After Han's resignation, Chun Junho, Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Parliamentary Operations, will serve as acting floor leader until a new floor leader is elected.

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