As the Democratic Party prepares to elect a new floor leader on May 6, a string of decisions by potential contenders not to run has boosted the chances of Han Byung-do winning a second term.
Han, who previously served as floor leader, formally entered the race on April 23 at the National Assembly, saying, "I am confident I can do well going forward." If elected, he would become the party's first floor leader to serve consecutive terms.
Rep. Baek Hye-ryeon wrote on Facebook on April 27 that she would not run, saying the top task is "the success of the Lee Jae-myung government and victory in local elections through party unity." She added that she would "do my best" in the role assigned to her.
Rep. Park Jeong also announced a day earlier that he had decided not to run. In a post titled "I have decided not to run for floor leader this time," Park said winning the Democratic Party's June 3 local elections and parliamentary by-elections must come first, adding that the party should deliver a "complete defeat" to "far-right forces."
Baek and Park had been seen as possible candidates after both lost to Han in a floor leader by-election held in January following the resignation of Kim Byung-ki.
Rep. Seo Young-kyo, who also competed against Kim in that earlier contest, said a day earlier that she had considered running but would sit out this time to focus on her duties as chair of a special committee for a state investigation and as chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.
Some in the party have voiced concerns about Han serving another term. Rep. Kim Yong-min said on April 24 that the ruling party should move more dynamically to support the administration's success when the president's approval rating is high, arguing that a second term for the floor leader runs counter to the energy and momentum the party needs. He said he hoped "a new figure" would emerge in the party.
Kim also argued a day earlier that the share of party member votes reflected in the floor leader election, currently 20%, should be increased to 50% so members' views carry more weight.
The floor leader elected this time will have authority over matters including the allocation of standing committee posts for the second half of the year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.