New leadership faces unity, local election test

Jan 12, 2026, 07:50 am

		0
Newly elected Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung-do greets lawmakers alongside the party’s new supreme council members at a caucus meeting to elect the floor leader at the National Assembly on Jan. 11. From left: Lee Sung-yoon, Kang Deuk-gu, Han Byung-do, and Moon Jung-bok. / Song Eui-ju

The Democratic Party of Korea has completed a reshuffle of its leadership with the election of a new floor leader and supreme council members, setting the stage for a key test as it seeks to restore internal trust and prepare for the June 3 local elections.

At a by-election held at the National Assembly on Jan. 11, lawmaker Han Byung-do was elected floor leader after defeating Rep. Baek Hye-ryun in a runoff vote. The race followed the resignation of former floor leader Kim Byung-gi. Under party rules, the outcome was determined by a weighted system combining 80% votes from lawmakers and 20% from registered party members.

Han will serve as the Democratic Party’s second floor leader of the 22nd National Assembly, with a term lasting until mid-May—just four months. Despite the short tenure, the role carries significant weight, as the floor leader will not only manage contentious legislation but also play a central role in shaping the party’s strategy for the upcoming local elections. A victory in June could elevate Han’s political standing as a “winning captain.”

Three lawmakers were also elected to fill vacant seats on the party’s supreme council. Kang Deuk-gu, widely seen as aligned with President Lee Jae-myung, placed first with 30.74% of the vote. Lee Sung-yoon and Moon Jung-bok, both considered close to party leader Jung Cheong-rae, finished second and third with 24.72% and 23.95%, respectively. Pro–Lee candidate Rep. Lee Geon-tae fell short with 20.59%.

Following the results, Kang said he would “devote all efforts to ensuring the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and a landslide victory in the local elections under Chairman Jung Cheong-rae’s leadership,” stressing unity after internal competition.

Lee Sung-yoon said he took to heart party members’ calls for “the eradication of insurrection forces, reform of the prosecution and judiciary, victory in the local elections, and a unified party–government–presidential office.” Moon Jung-bok likewise pledged loyalty to the new leadership, saying strong unity within the party was the best way to repay supporters and ensure the administration’s success.

Party leader Jung Cheong-rae urged members to applaud defeated candidates, emphasizing that the contest had been an internal competition toward a shared goal. “From the moment of victory, the real work begins,” he said, calling on the new leadership to present a united front and address pressing challenges with cohesion to regain public trust.

#Democratic Party of Korea #floor leader #supreme council #Han Byung-do #Kang Deuk-gu