Han Byung-do, a three-term lawmaker representing Iksan-eul in North Jeolla, was elected the new floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.
The Democratic Party held a by-election for floor leader at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 11th. Three-term lawmakers Han Byung-do, Jin Sung-joon, Park Jeong, and Baek Hye-ryeon ran in the by-election. In the first round of voting, Park Jeong and Jin Sung-joon were cut off, and a runoff was held between Han Byung-do and Baek Hye-ryeon.
In the runoff, Han was elected the new floor leader. The new floor leader Han served as a member of the 17th, 21st and 22nd National Assembly. Under the Moon Jae-in administration, Han served as senior presidential secretary for political affairs and also as the Democratic Party's head of strategy and planning. In the 22nd National Assembly, Han chaired the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts and is seen as having expanded influence within the floor.
In his acceptance remarks, the new floor leader Han said, "I will fulfill the duties of floor leader to ensure victory for the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party," adding, "The time given is short, but the responsibility is bigger and heavier than anything," and, "I will swiftly restore order and take the lead in ending the insurrection, reforming the prosecution and judiciary, and improving people's livelihoods."
The new floor leader Han said, "While maintaining a lower and more humble stance, we will show the public the image of a capable ruling party and win with confidence," and added, "In relations with the opposition, we will firmly uphold principles, recognize them as partners in state affairs, and engage in dialogue and compromise with an open attitude."
At a joint debate on the 8th, the new floor leader Han said that former floor leader Kim Byung-kee "should voluntarily leave the party."