[Full Text] Han Byungdo: "We Will Maximize Speed in Processing President Lee's National Agenda, Livelihood, and Reform Bills"

Han Byungdo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, pledged to accelerate legislative processes on February 3.

During his negotiation group speech at the National Assembly plenary session that day, Floor Leader Han stated, "We will build a 'fast-track legislative highway for livelihood reforms' in the National Assembly and maximize the speed in processing the Lee Jaemyung administration's national agenda and livelihood and reform bills. The Democratic Party will establish a 'Livelihood Economy Legislative Situation Room' within the Assembly." He explained that the situation room will monitor and report on the progress rates of the national agenda and livelihood-related legislation.

He also disclosed the legislative schedule. He said, "Prosecution and judicial reform are the spirit of the times that cannot be reversed," and added, "The Democratic Party will swiftly process the three major reform bills to protect the people's basic rights and the rule of law." Regarding the capital market, he said, "We will accelerate capital market reforms by pushing for the third amendment to the Commercial Act, which will require the mandatory cancellation of treasury shares, the introduction of a Korean-style discovery system, the expansion of the stewardship code, and the enactment of laws to prevent stock price suppression."

Han Byungdo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a negotiation group representative speech on state affairs at the 2nd plenary session of the 432nd National Assembly (extraordinary session) held at the National Assembly on February 3, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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In addition, he promised to process the "Special Act on Administrative Integration" and the "Local Autonomy Act" within February. He also expressed a willingness to process the "Special Act for Strategic Investment Management between Korea and the United States," which has been a key issue in Korea-US tariff negotiations, in cooperation with the opposition. As goals for the first half of this year, he presented the "Market Support Act" and the "Overseas Expansion Act for Small and Medium Venture Enterprises," which support SMEs' entry into procurement markets and overseas expansion, as well as the "Small Business Act" to establish an integrated recovery support system for small business owners. He also expressed his intention to promote the "Youth Employment Promotion Act" for young people who have been out of work for an extended period.

He also proposed pursuing local elections and constitutional amendments simultaneously. He said, "I propose a one-point constitutional amendment along with the upcoming local elections," and suggested, "Let us include the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement in the preamble of the Constitution." The idea is to open the door to constitutional revision based on the minimum common denominator, such as enshrining the spirit of May 18 in the Constitution, which has also been advocated by opposition parties like the People Power Party.

The following is the full text of Floor Leader Han's negotiation group speech.

Respected and beloved citizens! Speaker Woo Wonshik, senior and fellow members of the National Assembly! Prime Minister Kim Minseok and other Cabinet members! I am Han Byungdo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Former Prime Minister Lee Haechan has left us. He was a living witness and a part of the history of Korean democracy and parliamentary politics. I will carry on his indomitable belief in democracy, unwavering commitment to peace and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula, and boundless dedication to the people. I sincerely thank all citizens who participated in Prime Minister Lee's funeral. I am also deeply grateful to my fellow lawmakers who expressed their condolences.

Respected citizens! Korea is now rapidly returning to normal. Seven months after the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the KOSPI index has surpassed 5,000 points and the KOSDAQ index has exceeded 1,000 points. This is the result of the administration's policy determination to overcome the persistent "Korea Discount" and move toward a "Korea Premium" era being reflected in the market. Recently, our economy has shown a recovery trend for three consecutive months, with improvements in domestic demand such as consumption and increases in exports of semiconductors, shipbuilding, and defense industries.

The IMF is simultaneously raising its economic growth forecasts for Korea for both 2025 and 2026. In particular, this year's growth forecast for Korea is 1.9%, which is higher than the average for advanced economies such as the UK, Germany, and Japan. The government also expects to achieve a growth rate in the 2% range.

The diplomatic achievements of the Lee Jaemyung administration are truly groundbreaking and overwhelming. With the successful hosting of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, Korea has once again established itself as a central and leading nation for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia. Through the Korea-US summit, mutually beneficial trade negotiations based on mutual trust were concluded. In addition, discussions on uranium enrichment, spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, and the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines have advanced, significantly strengthening self-reliant national defense and energy security. Consecutive Korea-China and Korea-Japan summits have fully restored Korea-China relations and newly established a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship.

Through President Lee Jaemyung's pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, we are reaffirming Korea's strength and status in the international community. Korea has successfully returned to the global stage, and the world is once again paying attention to Korea. The dark clouds of a complex crisis that enveloped the country are dissipating. New vitality is being felt in people's livelihoods and the economy.

All these achievements, which seem almost miraculous, were made possible by the great Korean people who, with their bare hands, stood up to the martial law forces' guns and swords to stop rebellion, and who defended constitutional order and democracy with their entire bodies. Once again, I pay my deepest respect and gratitude to the respected and beloved citizens. Thank you!

The court recently ruled that Yoon Sukyeol's December 3 Martial Law was not only unconstitutional and illegal, but also a riot involving the mobilization of the military and police-in other words, a clear rebellion. Han Ducksoo, who shamelessly denied his involvement in the rebellion and even ran for president with feeble excuses, was sentenced to 23 years in prison and taken into custody. Now is the time for judgment. On the 19th, the first trial verdicts are scheduled for the ringleader Yoon Sukyeol and key participants Kim Yonghyun, Noh Sangwon, and Cho Jiho. The group that trampled constitutional order and democracy with guns and swords cannot escape the maximum sentence under the law.

However, the full truth of the December 3 Rebellion has not yet been completely revealed. We must thoroughly uncover, without a shadow of doubt, the realities of Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Keonhee's abuse of power, including Noh Sangwon's notebook that the three special prosecutors failed to uncover, suspicions of inducing a North Korean attack, preferential treatment in the relocation of the presidential residence, and suspicions regarding the change of the Yangpyeong Expressway route. The lobbying allegations surrounding the death of a Marine in the line of duty also remain shrouded in secrecy.

Meanwhile, the court sentenced Kim Keonhee to one year and eight months in prison. She was acquitted of major crimes such as stock price manipulation and providing free public opinion polls to Myung Tae-gyun. Citizens, do you find this verdict acceptable? The special prosecutor requested 15 years in prison, a fine of 2 billion won, and a forfeiture of 900 million won for Kim Keonhee. The court completely ignored the fact that Kim Keonhee was the operator of the joint regime of Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Keonhee, a key figure in the abuse of power, and the so-called "V Zero." We must swiftly launch a second comprehensive special investigation to thoroughly investigate all suspicions and realities surrounding Kim Keonhee and ensure strict punishment.

Now is the time to completely root out the allegations of collusion between politics and religion that are surfacing one after another. The Constitution of Korea clearly stipulates the separation of church and state. The fact that the Unification Church and Shincheonji intervened in party primaries through organized party membership shakes the very foundation of the Constitution. I propose to the People Power Party: Let us conduct a special investigation into the Unification Church and Shincheonji together to completely sever the ties between politics and religion.

Beloved citizens! In 1996, Chun Doohwan, the ringleader of the Gwangju Massacre, was sentenced to death in the first trial but walked out of prison alive and never apologized until his death. Had we properly judged Chun Doohwan, Yoon Sukyeol would never have emerged. I hope the judiciary will render a just verdict on the rebellion group before the eyes of history.

I solemnly ask the People Power Party: Is your apology for martial law genuine or fake? While bowing your heads in public, you have, behind the scenes, insulted May 18 and welcomed far-right figures who praise Chun Doohwan into your leadership. Their first statement upon joining was the outrageous remark that Chun Doohwan "led democratization without bloodshed" and that his photo should be hung in the party office alongside Yoon Sukyeol. Is the People Power Party headquarters turning into a "rebellion gallery"?

The pain of May Gwangju is still vividly alive. Praising the ringleader of a rebellion is a direct challenge to the sovereign people and a clear denial of constitutional order. I ask again: What values is the People Power Party seeking to defend? If you use even the bills you support as tools for filibuster to obstruct the Lee Jaemyung administration and act only for your own political gain, which citizen would accept this? If a party rejects the people's mandate and abandons constitutional values, the only judgment left for the people is "punishment." The People Power Party must sever ties with the far-right forces still chanting "Yoon Again" and the unrepentant rebellion group. If not, the people will sever ties with you.

Respected citizens! Prosecution and judicial reform are the spirit of the times that cannot be reversed. For 78 years, political prosecutors wielded unchecked power, trampling democracy and human rights. In October, the prosecution will disappear completely into history. There will be no compromise on prosecution reform. The abolition of the prosecution service, the establishment of a public prosecution office and a major crimes investigation agency, and the complete separation of investigation and indictment are unwavering principles. Judicial reform will also be completed quickly, meeting the expectations of the people.

The people are still asking: Why was there such prolonged silence regarding the unconstitutionality and illegality of the December 3 Rebellion? Why did Judge Ji Guyoun release rebellion ringleader Yoon Sukyeol using the unprecedented logic of "time calculation"? How did the Supreme Court return Lee Jaemyung's presidential candidate case for retrial just nine days after referring it to the full bench? These incidents were enough to raise suspicions of protecting the rebellion group and have shattered public trust in the judiciary. The Democratic Party will swiftly process the three major reform bills to protect the people's basic rights and the rule of law.

Beloved citizens! The past year was a time when everyone encouraged each other, transitioning from pain and anxiety to healing and recovery. The Lee Jaemyung administration and the Democratic Party have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to saving the livelihoods and economy of the people and restoring national normalcy.

Twenty days after the launch of the administration, the supplementary budget was submitted to the National Assembly, and the Democratic Party quickly passed a 31.8 trillion won budget, an increase of 1.3 trillion won over the government's proposal, by expanding support for non-capital regions and vulnerable groups. The recovery of domestic demand, driven by increased issuance of consumption coupons and local currency, served as a catalyst for economic revitalization and stabilization of people's livelihoods. Merchants in traditional markets all said in unison, "We can finally breathe a little easier now."

The Lee Jaemyung administration has consistently pursued policies to guide excessive funds concentrated in real estate into productive financial sectors such as the stock market. The Democratic Party has laid the foundation for overcoming the "Korea Discount" through two amendments to the Commercial Act, the separation of dividend income taxation, and a rational adjustment of the major shareholder capital gains tax standard. Going forward, we will accelerate capital market reforms by pushing for a third amendment to the Commercial Act requiring the cancellation of treasury shares, introducing a Korean-style discovery system, expanding the stewardship code, and enacting laws to prevent stock price suppression.

Thanks to the trust and support of the people for the Lee Jaemyung administration and the Democratic Party, livelihoods and the economy are gradually returning to normal. Korea now stands not only at the starting line of normalization but also at the threshold of a great leap forward. However, the tasks of stabilizing livelihoods and overcoming polarization still remain. For the first time in history, Korea's exports have surpassed 700 billion dollars, but not all citizens are enjoying the benefits. We are currently experiencing K-shaped growth, where one side grows while the other stagnates.

The Democratic Party will pay closer attention to vulnerable sectors experiencing stagnant growth, such as local regions, SMEs, small business owners, and low-income groups. We will process the "Special Act on Administrative Integration" and the "Local Autonomy Act" during the February session. We will prepare meticulous and systematic legislation to maximize the effects of administrative integration and bring real changes to the lives of local residents.

SMEs are the backbone of our economy. They make up the majority of businesses and are responsible for most employment. Nevertheless, it is not normal that good jobs and productivity are concentrated only in large corporations and certain industries. Institutional innovation is needed to enable SMEs to grow sustainably by building a healthy business ecosystem. First, we will aim to pass the "Market Support Act" and the "Overseas Expansion Act for Small and Medium Venture Enterprises" in the first half of the year to support SMEs' entry into procurement markets and overseas expansion. In addition, we will expand the scope of performance sharing and payment linkage to strengthen and spread the foundation for mutual cooperation.

The Lee Jaemyung administration and the Democratic Party have not forgotten the small business owners and self-employed who made special sacrifices during the national crisis of COVID-19. This year, the national subsidy rate for local currency will be increased, which is expected to lead to expanded sales bases. In addition, to ensure stable adaptation to the AI era, we will fundamentally enhance productivity by expanding tailored AI support by industry. We will also aim to pass the "Small Business Act" in the first half of the year to establish an integrated recovery support system for small business owners.

The Lee Jaemyung administration and the Democratic Party will pay even closer attention to the lives of vulnerable and low-income groups and work harder to provide support that is truly felt. The increase and prolongation of "out-of-work youth" continues to worsen employment indicators. The government will expand AI education and vocational training and prepare tailored support measures for each type of "out-of-work youth." The Democratic Party will support this with the "Youth Employment Promotion Act." We will also strengthen support for vulnerable and low-income groups through enhanced basic livelihood security, increased work incentives, and expanded integrated care.

As President Lee Jaemyung has proposed, our society must now move toward "growth for all." "Growth for all" means broadening the subjects of growth, sharing the results of growth more evenly, increasing access to opportunities, and creating sustainable growth conditions. The Democratic Party will strongly support stabilization of livelihoods and resolution of polarization through "growth for all" by means of legislation.

Respected citizens and fellow lawmakers! The internal and external conditions we face are by no means easy. We must pool our wisdom to turn obstacles into stepping stones. Solving the issues of people's livelihoods is the essence of politics and the duty of the National Assembly. However, looking back on whether our National Assembly is fulfilling its role and how much trust it receives from the people, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility.

Speed is critical for livelihood recovery. As the legislative branch, the National Assembly must not miss the golden time for processing livelihood legislation. Ensuring that the people feel the effectiveness of policies to the fullest is the basic attitude their representatives must have. However, the speed at which the 22nd National Assembly processes bills is far too slow. Last week, we processed 90 livelihood-related bills at the plenary session, but there is still a long way to go. Now, 20 months since the opening of the Assembly, the bill processing rate is only 22.5%. This is much lower than the 28.7% of the 21st Assembly and the 23.9% of the 20th Assembly over the same period. These results translate directly into the suffering of the people. If the National Assembly turns its back on people's lives, it loses its reason for existence.

Last year, the biggest challenge for the Lee Jaemyung administration-the tariff negotiations-was successfully concluded, but recently the United States is pressuring for a tariff hike again. I urge opposition lawmakers to thoroughly review and quickly process the "Special Act for Strategic Investment Management between Korea and the United States." If tariffs are raised again, the automobile industry will face an additional annual burden of over 4 trillion won. This is not just a matter of corporate profits and losses; it will lead to higher vehicle prices and reduced investment, resulting in increased burdens for domestic consumers and structural shocks to employment. We cannot afford to waste any more precious time.

Sometimes, we must advocate our party's position, but when it comes to people's livelihoods and the national interest, we must unite our strength and wisdom to truly represent the people's will. No citizen will tolerate politics that holds people's livelihoods and the national interest hostage.

Respected citizens! The Democratic Party will fulfill its responsibilities as a working National Assembly focused on resolving livelihood issues and as politics that offers hope. We will build a "fast-track legislative highway for livelihood reforms" in the National Assembly and maximize the speed in processing the Lee Jaemyung administration's national agenda and livelihood and reform bills. The Democratic Party will establish a "Livelihood Economy Legislative Situation Room" within the Assembly. We will meticulously monitor the progress rates of core national agenda items and livelihood bills directly related to people's lives on a weekly and monthly basis and report the progress to the public.

The Lee Jaemyung administration is a government established by the people. The success of the Lee Jaemyung administration is the success of the people and the success of Korea. The Democratic Party will take the lead and respond with results for the success of the administration and a better life for the people. We will stand at the center of the National Assembly that saves people's livelihoods.

Beloved citizens, the "great cart" of artificial intelligence and robotics is rolling toward us. We cannot stop or avoid this cart. A world where AI robots work 24 hours a day, filling dark factories, is not a fantasy but a reality already upon us. To become mired in ideological or political strife among ourselves at this great turning point in civilization would be a dereliction of duty to future generations.

We will guide all citizens onto the "AI highway." We must open up learning opportunities so that everyone can use AI as a tool. AI must not be a threat that takes away our jobs, but a "great tool" that infinitely expands the capabilities of our people. We must fundamentally restructure our system to achieve this. We must lay the foundation for a "basic society" that prevents extreme polarization. If the immense wealth created by AI and robots is concentrated in the hands of a few, the majority of people will be left in despair at the edge of a job cliff.

The "basic society" is the minimum "survival system" needed to maintain community in the era of technological revolution. Let us seriously discuss concrete solutions to ensure that the fruits of AI-driven growth are shared equally by all citizens. The Lee Jaemyung administration and the Democratic Party will boldly discard old formulas for success and, with a new map called AI, confidently lead Korea toward a great leap forward. Now is Korea's time. We must end the era of being "followers" chasing others' answers. If we take just half a step ahead, we can become "leaders" who enjoy infinite opportunities. We will not miss this decisive moment.

Respected citizens! The massive black hole of population concentration in the capital region is swallowing up all of Korea's growth potential. Although the capital region accounts for only 11% of the country's land, half the population lives there, and 80% of the top 100 companies are concentrated there. In contrast, 60% of local governments nationwide face the risk of extinction. The consequences of the entrenched polarization between the capital and non-capital regions will be borne by future generations. Young people will not be able to climb the ladder of social mobility, and children's starting lines for success will differ depending on their birthplace. This is not an individual problem; it is a national and structural issue.

With the determination to redesign the nation's blueprint for the next 100 years, we need bold and daring balanced development strategies. Korea's great leap forward will now begin in the regions. The Democratic Party will make every effort to realize region-led growth. We will also swiftly process legislation for metropolitan integration. Through sufficient discussion and deliberation, we will gather opinions from the field and strive to ensure that integration reflects the wishes of the regions. We will not pursue integration just for the sake of size, but will create conditions where people can settle and talent can grow. We will ensure the realization of region-led growth and balanced development national agenda items, such as establishing 10 Seoul National University-level institutions and relocating a second round of public institutions. The Democratic Party will open the door wide to a Korea where the regions lead change.

In June, local elections will be held. These elections must complete the end of rebellion, restore livelihoods, and normalize Korea. They must be historic elections befitting a major shift to region-led growth. The Special Committee on Political Reform is now in operation. We will accelerate improvements to the system, such as the delineation of electoral districts. Thirty-six years ago, the late President Kim Daejung revived local autonomy through a hunger strike that risked his life. The grassroots democracy thus won has, over 30 years, ushered in an era of presidents with experience as local government heads.

The Democratic Party will prepare for the June 3 local elections as an opportunity to discover new talent to lead region-led growth. We will prepare for the elections as a step toward completing the transition from a citizen-sovereign government to citizen-sovereign local governments. Along with the upcoming local elections, we propose a one-point constitutional amendment. Let us enshrine the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement in the preamble of the Constitution. The May 18 Democratization Movement is the foundation of Korea's constitutional order and democracy. There is no reason to delay its inclusion in the preamble any longer. We expect bipartisan cooperation from the opposition. We will also promptly pursue the revision of the National Referendum Act proposed by Speaker Woo Wonshik.

Beloved citizens and fellow lawmakers! While spring will soon return to the Korean Peninsula, which has been frozen by the winter cold, there is still no sign of improvement in inter-Korean relations. In his New Year's press conference, President Lee Jaemyung proposed "stable growth supported by peace." Even stable livelihoods ultimately rest on a solid foundation of peace. We must improve inter-Korean relations and breathe new warmth into peace on the Korean Peninsula.

A single small drone can instantly put the Korean Peninsula in danger. We must no longer delay the restoration of the September 19 Military Agreement, which prevents accidental clashes and restores political and military trust between the two Koreas. Fundamentally, we must guarantee the "peaceful use of the Demilitarized Zone" through our laws and institutions. This year marks the 10th anniversary since the closure of the Kaesong Industrial Complex. We must lay the foundation for joint growth on the Korean Peninsula. We will provide institutional support to ensure that the first shovel can be struck for a peace economy special zone in border areas. The Democratic Party will fully utilize its accumulated experience and capabilities in inter-Korean cooperation to break through the deadlock in inter-Korean relations and achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

Respected and beloved citizens! The Democratic Party, together with the Lee Jaemyung administration, will make 2026 the first year of Korea's great leap forward. Through the five major growth strategies announced by President Lee Jaemyung in his New Year's address-region-led growth, growth for all that evenly shares opportunities and fruits, sustainable growth based on safety, attractive growth led by culture, and stable growth supported by peace-we will achieve Korea's great leap forward.

The first principle of the Lee Jaemyung administration is "only the people's lives." The Democratic Party's top priority is also "only the people's livelihoods." Politics must exist solely for the well-being and happiness of the people. The Democratic Party will completely end rebellion, complete prosecution and judicial reform, and achieve a major social transformation. We will realize balanced national development and national integration through administrative integration. We will improve frozen inter-Korean relations and achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

We will dedicate everything to building a community where our children can dream of a better tomorrow, a society where everyone is happy regardless of gender, age, wealth, or income, and a country where the state takes responsibility for resolving people's anxieties regarding jobs, education, childcare, housing, and old age. We will strive for a Korea where conscience, consideration, and justice are alive and all citizens prosper together.

Finally, I would like to conclude today's speech by quoting part of the late Lee Haechan's last negotiation group speech as leader of the Democratic Party of Korea on September 4, 2018: "Diligently working for today's Korea will be our gift to future generations. Let us make the National Assembly one of policy and vision, inclusion and trust, not of conflict, division, anger, and distrust." Thank you for listening.

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