Woo Won-sik: "After My Term as Speaker, I Will Focus on the Euljiro Committee... Will Follow the People’s Will Regarding My Future Path" (Comprehensive)

Woo Won-sik, Speaker of the National Assembly, announced on April 29 that after finishing his term as Speaker, he will rejoin the Democratic Party of Korea and devote himself to activities such as the Euljiro Committee. He added that regarding his future political path, he would follow the will of the people.

Appearing on MBC radio’s "Kim Jong Bae's Focus" that day, Speaker Woo stated, "Originally, I was a participant in the democratization movement, and when former President Kim Dae-jung was in trouble, I joined the party together with senior Lee Hae-chan and others under the slogan 'Save Kim Dae-jung.' Since the party has always been in line with my life philosophy, returning to that party is only natural."

Woo Wonshik, Speaker of the National Assembly, held a press conference on the 27th in the National Assembly reception room to explain the constitutional amendment bill scheduled for plenary session submission on the 7th of next month. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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He also expressed his intention to actively participate in activities such as the Euljiro Committee for the Protection of the Underprivileged after rejoining the party. Speaker Woo emphasized, "The position I am most proud of, even more than the Speaker of the National Assembly, is being the Chairman of the Euljiro Committee," adding, "I intend to focus on making politics the strongest weapon for the weak."

Regarding his future political vision, he also expressed his willingness to follow the choice of the people. He said, "If the people say, 'Woo Won-sik, it would be good for you to continue doing more,' then I have more to do. If they say, 'You have served as Speaker, so now help your juniors,' I am also willing to do that." He indicated an open approach to all possibilities regarding his political role after his term as Speaker ends.

When asked whether he would take on any party duties, Speaker Woo replied, "We will have to see when the time comes," and added, "It’s not something I can predict or discuss right now."

Regarding the National Assembly vote on the constitutional amendment bill scheduled for the 7th of next month, Speaker Woo said, "If we do not pass it this time, it will become extremely difficult to amend the constitution in the future."

He added, "Since the People Power Party is maintaining its party stance against the amendment, it is not easy," and explained, "I am trying to persuade them with a sense of urgency."

Speaker Woo pointed out, "By advocating for the revision of the National Referendum Act, we managed to pass it after 12 years. There were many opportunities, but there were forces that prevented even the revision of the National Referendum Act. They avoided opportunities to surpass a 50% voter turnout through elections and questioned whether it would be possible to discuss constitutional amendments in normal times." He further stated that considering the upcoming June 3 local elections, the constitutional amendment vote could help increase voter turnout and overcome the ‘rebellion’ narrative, which "would benefit the opposition party."

Despite Speaker Woo's efforts at persuasion, amending the constitution is becoming increasingly difficult. On this day in the National Assembly, eight members from the Democratic Party and one from the People Power Party are expected to resign to run in the local elections. Taking into account the quorum requirements, at least 13 People Power Party members must support the amendment for it to pass the National Assembly.

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