Woo Wonshik: "Will Continue to Support Constitutional Amendment After Retirement"... Remains Reserved on Democratic Party Convention Bid

Calls for Formation of Constitutional Amendment Special Committee in Second Half of Assembly
"If We Fail to Amend Constitution to Prevent Emergency Martial Law, We Will Deeply Regret It"
Hints at Rejoining Democratic Party and Resuming Activities in the Euljiro Committee

On the eve of his retirement, Woo Wonshik, Speaker of the National Assembly, expressed his desire to participate in activities such as constitutional amendment and the Euljiro Committee during the second half of the Assembly's term. He refrained from commenting on whether he would rejoin the Democratic Party or run in the party convention.

On May 28, Woo held a retirement press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "As the Speaker of the first half of the National Assembly, I feel that I must make at least some progress on constitutional amendment, which was not achieved during my term." He added, "If we fail to amend the constitution to fundamentally prevent illegal emergency martial law, I believe we will deeply regret it."

He also hinted at his intention to be active in the Euljiro Committee after rejoining the Democratic Party. Woo said, "The position I am most proud of, even more than being Speaker, is serving as the first chair of the Euljiro Committee," and added, "Through the Euljiro Committee, I am determined to work to protect the disadvantaged members of our society."

Woo Wonshik, Speaker of the National Assembly, is holding a retirement press conference at the National Assembly on the 28th, ahead of the end of the first half of the parliamentary session. 2026.5.28 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Woo remained reserved regarding his future political roles, including whether he would run in the Democratic Party convention or take a government post. When asked about his future plans, he responded, "It is never easy to answer such questions," and continued, "I simply intend to do my best in any role where I can contribute to democracy and support the socially disadvantaged."

On this day, Woo also spoke about the Speaker's duty of neutrality. He said, "If neutrality means simply remaining still between the ruling and opposition parties, I believe the National Assembly will face increasing difficulties in the future." He continued, "As conflicts between the parties become more commonplace, there is a risk of taking only the easy path or making no progress at all." He added, "The National Assembly is a place to solve problems. While consensus between the parties is most important, I believe that, in some respects, it is also the Speaker's role to seek solutions in line with the will of the people."

Woo repeatedly expressed his regret that constitutional amendment was not achieved during the first half of the Assembly. He stated, "I am concerned that the level of conflict and political strife between the parties has intensified," and lamented, "Missing the opportunity for constitutional amendment for the first time in 39 years is a direct consequence of this." Regarding the amendment, he said, "I hope that the constitutional amendment special committee will be formed in the second half of the Assembly and that meaningful results will be achieved."

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