Han Byungdo Resigns as Floor Leader to Seek Re-Election: "Will Find Ways to Contribute Even More" (Comprehensive)

"We Must Not Return to Dividing Up Committees for Personal Gain"

Reaffirms Push for Special Prosecutor on Fabricated Indictments

Chun Junho to Serve as Acting Floor Leader

Han Byungdo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, resigned on the 21st to run for a second term. Regarding negotiations for the reorganization of the National Assembly in the latter half of the term, he stated, "We cannot allow the kind of backroom deals that were done in the past."

At his resignation press conference held at the National Assembly on this day, Floor Leader Han said, "As the saying goes, 'Finish what you start,' I believe that once you begin something, you must see it through to the end. Based on the achievements of the past 100 days, I will seek ways to make an even greater contribution to the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration and the victory of the Democratic Party."

Han highlighted the completion of prosecutorial reform and judicial reform, the implementation of the second comprehensive special prosecution, and uncovering the truth behind fabricated indictments by Yoon Suk Yeol's political prosecutors as major accomplishments. He also cited the passage of the Special Act on Investment in the United States in response to the Korea-US customs negotiations, emergency economic measures and a 26 trillion won wartime supplementary budget in response to the Middle East conflict, efforts to promote constitutional amendment for the first time in 39 years, and the restoration of bipartisan cooperation as key achievements over the last 100 days.

Han Byungdo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at a press conference on current issues held at the National Assembly on the 21st. Floor Leader Han was elected through a by-election following the resignation of former Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki and led the Democratic Party for 101 days. On this day, Floor Leader Han resigned from his position and will run in the upcoming floor leader election scheduled for May. 2026.4.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

For future tasks, Han pointed to the push for a special counsel on fabricated indictments, constitutional amendment, and victory in local elections. He also said, "For the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration, all major legislative agendas must be completed by December this year."

Regarding the distribution of standing committees for the latter half of the term, Han stated, "The tradition of dividing standing committees between the ruling and opposition parties is meaningful only on the premise that it encourages competition to do better work. If that purpose is undermined, what is the point of dividing committees? The principle is that backroom deals cannot be allowed." He added, "When the opposition and the Speaker of the National Assembly are elected, I will discuss this with the Speaker and, within the Democratic Party, we will hold a serious discussion on this issue and organize things according to fundamental principles."

On the timing of the special counsel on fabricated indictments, Han said, "We will proceed calmly in accordance with laws, principles, and the National Assembly Act, without considering political gain or loss, and in line with the conclusion of the parliamentary investigation. During the parliamentary investigation, there were various testimonies and evidence indicating the need for a special counsel, and preparations for the special counsel bill have already begun. Once the final details are determined, we will move forward according to the procedures of the National Assembly Act without hesitation."

Han was elected through a by-election after former Floor Leader Kim Byungki (now independent) resigned amid various allegations in January. After Han's resignation, the position of Floor Leader will be held on an interim basis by Chun Junho, Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Operations, until a new Floor Leader is elected.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.