Han Byung-do, the new floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 11th, "We will recognize the opposition as a negotiating partner and as one pillar of state affairs, and we will put our heads together to discuss matters," adding, "We are ready to debate and consult with the opposition on all pending issues."
Han held a press briefing at the National Assembly that day and said, "Within a month, we will convene to sort out the key state tasks and the legislative agenda pushed by the government that should be advanced intensively," adding, "We will push the sorted bills without a hitch through negotiations with the opposition."
Han repeatedly emphasized negotiations with the opposition. Han said, "When I chaired the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, I fully guaranteed the opposition's opportunity to debate," adding, "On matters such as a special counsel or regional consolidation, I will try negotiating with the People Power Party as early as tomorrow." However, Han added, "We will take a firm stance against opposition for opposition's sake," and said, "If consultations fail, I will lead the floor decisively according to principles."
Han also stated his position on several internal party issues, including nomination contributions allegedly involving former floor leader Kim Byung-kee. Han said, "Regarding the issue of Rep. Kang Sun-woo, expulsion has been carried out, and while the facts will come to light through the investigation process, I have repeatedly said that the very emergence of such issues is not in keeping with the Democratic Party's character."
Han emphasized, "It was during President Roh Moo-hyun's term in 2004 that the Democratic Party cleared away the past practice of taking money for nominations," adding, "President Roh changed the political culture 180 degrees, and although we settled those practices, as these issues are surfacing now, I will work to respond strongly and in a way befitting the Democratic Party."
On Kim's voluntary resignation as floor leader, Han answered, "We will discuss our position through a leadership meeting," and on a full-scale probe into nomination contributions, Han said, "It is true that its effectiveness may be limited, but I think it may be necessary because the probe itself can alert those who intend to run."
Regarding criticism that the party and the presidential office are out of sync, Han answered, "When running state affairs, there can be differences between the party's views and the Blue House's views," adding, "Even such differences in perspective should be adjusted through prior discussion before announcements, and making sure there is no gap at the time of announcement is the ruling party's capability." Han said, "I did this work while serving as senior presidential secretary for political affairs, and I will work to ensure this system functions."
On factional strife between those close to Lee Jae-myung and those close to the presidential office, Han emphasized, "For the ruling party to earn the public's trust, we must join forces to improve people's lives," adding, "If we are thinking about securing the Lee Jae-myung administration's momentum in state affairs through victory in local elections, division and conflict are unacceptable."
Regarding appointments to the floor leadership, Han said, "The chief secretary for floor operations is the most important, and I will speak to that tomorrow (the 12th)," adding, "I am considering keeping the deputies in their posts as much as possible."