DPK Elects Byungdo Han as New Parliamentary Leader... First Case of Consecutive Terms for Floor Leader

On May 6, the Democratic Party of Korea elected former Floor Leader Byungdo Han, who ran unopposed in the floor leader election, as its new floor leader. This marks the first time a floor leader has been re-elected in the party's history.

Byungdo Han, candidate for the Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering his policy presentation at the third working-level general assembly of the 22nd National Assembly Democratic Party of Korea held at the National Assembly on May 6, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

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Floor Leader Han was re-elected as the party's parliamentary leader after receiving a majority of votes at the general assembly of lawmakers held at the National Assembly that afternoon. The election combined 80% of the votes from lawmakers and 20% from party members with voting rights. Han was previously elected in a by-election for floor leader in January following the resignation of former Floor Leader Kim Byungki, serving a 101-day term in the role.

Upon his election, Floor Leader Han stated, "The next year is a golden time for the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration," adding, "We will secure the momentum for state affairs by achieving a decisive victory in the June 3 local elections and strongly support President Lee through legislative efforts in the National Assembly."

He continued, "I will become a capable floor leader who listens with humility and openly shares thoughts with lawmakers at any time," pledging, "We will operate the National Assembly in full force to complete all legislative tasks for state affairs by the end of this year."

The pressing issues for Floor Leader Han include the formation of standing committees for the latter half of the term, the so-called 'fabricated indictment' special prosecutor bill, and amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act. He has expressed his intention to elect the presiding officers for the latter half of the National Assembly before the end of the current session later this month to avoid a parliamentary vacuum. However, with issues such as the allocation of standing committee chairmanships at stake, negotiations with the main opposition party, the People Power Party, are expected to be a significant challenge.

Stably overseeing the party convention in August, where the party leader and Supreme Council members will be elected, is also among Floor Leader Han's immediate tasks.

The new floor leader's term will run until May next year.

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