On June 5, 14 lawmakers elected in the recent by-elections took their oaths during a session of the National Assembly, marking the beginning of their official duties. Among them, Kim Nam-kuk, Kim Nam-jun, and Jeon Eun-soo, who have previously worked at the Blue House, emphasized the need for swift policy implementation and the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. In contrast, Lee Jin-sook and Kim Tae-kyu, who have backgrounds in the Korea Communications Commission, highlighted recent issues, including a shortage of ballots at polling stations in Songpa, Seoul, positioning themselves in opposition to the ruling party.
The newly elected lawmakers from the Democratic Party include Song Young-gil, Kim Nam-jun, Lim Mun-young, Kim Nam-jun, Lee Kwang-jae, Jeon Eun-soo, Kim Ui-gyeom, and Park Ji-won. From the People Power Party, the newly elected members are Lee Jin-sook, Kim Tae-kyu, Yoo Ui-dong, and Yoon Yong-geun, along with independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. Kim Seong-beom, also elected as a Democratic Party member, did not attend due to personal reasons.
After taking their oaths, the lawmakers expressed their commitments. Song Young-gil was the first to speak, referencing the recent declaration of martial law, stating, "The attempt by armed troops to invade the National Assembly is unprecedented in our constitutional history. I am honored to join the 22nd National Assembly, which has a significant historical mission, and I will strive to uphold the order of our democratic republic."
Jeon Eun-soo, who has worked at the Blue House, remarked, "I will work tirelessly for the success of this government, even if it means sacrificing sleep." Kim Nam-kuk and Kim Nam-jun pledged to focus on stabilizing people's livelihoods and economic recovery, with Kim Nam-jun stating, "I will be a strong partner in ensuring the success of the government's initiatives for restoring livelihoods and national development."
Lee Jin-sook and Kim Tae-kyu, both former officials at the Korea Communications Commission, addressed the ballot shortage issue. Lee Jin-sook expressed, "It is extremely regrettable and unacceptable that a shortage of ballots occurred in 21st-century South Korea. Lawmakers, as representatives of the people, must take responsibility and work together to resolve this issue." Kim Tae-kyu echoed her sentiments, urging, "Let us not export a democracy where ballots are unavailable due to a lack of paper."
Additionally, Han Dong-hoon stated, "I was here in this assembly on the night of December 3, 2024. After the decisions and actions I took as the leader of the People Power Party, I entered a path of political hardship. However, if I were to go back, I would walk the same path again."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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