Democratic Party Selects Speaker Candidates: Park Jiwon Highlights 'Experience', Jo Jungsik Focuses on 'Lee Administration', Kim Taenyeon Stresses 'Competence'

General Assembly Held on May 13 to Select Speaker and Deputy Speakers

Park Jiwon, Jo Jungsik, and Kim Taenyeon (in order of ballot number), members of the Democratic Party of Korea who are running for Speaker of the 22nd National Assembly in the latter half of the term, presented their policy visions on May 13 ahead of the election.

On this day, the Democratic Party of Korea held a general assembly at the National Assembly to select candidates for the Speaker and Deputy Speakers for the latter half of the 22nd National Assembly.

The first to present his vision was Assemblyman Kim, who emphasized "competence." He stated, "The true owners of the National Assembly are the people," and added, "Since the founding of the constitutional National Assembly, I feel a renewed sense of heavy responsibility and duty, wondering if our legislature has ever commanded such high public trust. We will deliver competent legislation and responsible outcomes." He continued, "I, Kim Taenyeon, wish to become an innovative Speaker known for ability and conviction."

Assemblyman Kim pledged to swiftly complete the enactment of the 123 national policy tasks of the Lee Jae-myung administration. He also noted, "In 2020, we established the Law for a Working National Assembly, and in 2026, I proposed the Law for a National Assembly That Has No Other Choice But to Work. I will create a National Assembly with a predictable one-year schedule."

Assemblyman Jo expressed his ambition, stating, "In the latter half of the term, together with the efficient Lee Jae-myung administration, we must accomplish a grand transformation for the Republic of Korea." He added, "I, Jo Jungsik, will ensure that the National Assembly truly reflects the era of popular sovereignty and is dedicated to the people's livelihood."

Assemblyman Jo stated, "We will complete the formation of parliamentary committees by June and achieve 100% enactment of the Lee Jae-myung administration's policy tasks by December." He further pledged, "Laws that pass the standing committees will be processed by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the plenary session within the same month." He also emphasized, "As a member of the ruling party, I will ensure that the party, government, and presidential office work as one team to deliver tangible results that the people can feel."

The final candidate, Assemblyman Park, emphasized his experience. He said, "I have served as Chief Presidential Secretary, Minister, floor leader of the National Assembly three times, and as head of the emergency committee three times," adding, "I have handled state affairs and worked for inter-Korean relations. I am someone who has truly been in the field and worked."

Assemblyman Park stated, "Those who have experience perform well. No matter the situation, I will pursue bipartisan cooperation for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration," appealing for support by saying, "Please recognize Park Jiwon's leadership and fighting spirit."

Additionally, all three candidates made joint pledges to establish a National Assembly Office of Foreign Affairs, pursue constitutional amendments, secure victory in the 2028 general elections, and regain power in 2030.

The Democratic Party of Korea will select the final candidate by combining the results of the party member vote (20%), which was held on May 11 and 12, with the result of the lawmakers' vote (80%) held on this day. This is the first time that a party member vote has been adopted in the selection process for the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Assemblymembers Nam Insoon and Min Hongchul have declared their candidacies for the Deputy Speaker position allotted to the ruling party.