The election for the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Democratic Party has been narrowed down to a competition between elected members Choo Mi-ae (6th term) and Woo Won-sik (5th term), but the dynamic of ‘awareness competition’ remains unchanged. Both candidates are emphasizing their ‘awareness’ (referring to the mind of Chairman Lee Jae-myung) and leadership as their competitive strengths. Criticism has arisen within the party about a leadership election being centered around ‘awareness competition.’
Choo and Woo competed on the 13th over ‘who has more support from Chairman Lee.’ Choo appeared on the YouTube channel ‘Kim Eo-joon’s Humility is Difficult News Factory’ and mentioned conversations she had with Chairman Lee before his hospitalization, expressing his hopes for a peaceful and natural election process. Woo, on the other hand, emphasized his close relationship with Chairman Lee based on their past roles within the party.
Both candidates have highlighted their firm stances by criticizing President Yoon Suk-yeol. Choo emphasized her role in exposing and disciplining illegal activities of the former Prosecutor General Yoon, stating the need for the National Assembly to serve as a check on excessive presidential power. Woo vowed to lead the reform of the prosecution system and relocate the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office to a local area.
As the Speaker election unfolds as a competition between ‘awareness and leadership,’ concerns have emerged within the party. Some party insiders have expressed unease about the competition not focusing on the functioning of the legislative body. Additionally, criticism has arisen regarding the involvement of Chairman Lee’s affiliates in pushing for candidate consolidation for the Speaker election.
Park Ji-won, an elected member from South Jeolla Province, criticized the consolidation process, stating it may not be desirable for the public.