"Reform Power to Eliminate Internal Forces Within a Year"… Special Committee Against Anti-Constitutional Activities Promised
Kim Byung-ki, a three-term lawmaker, has been elected as the new leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). With this, the DPK, which secured a solid majority in the 22nd National Assembly elections, is expected to begin full-fledged operation of the National Assembly under its new leadership.
On the afternoon of the 13th, the DPK held a general meeting of lawmakers to conduct a vote for the selection of the new floor leader.
As a result, Kim received more than half of the votes and was elected. The result also reflected 20% of party member votes. He has defeated his competitor, Seo Young-kyo, to take the helm as the floor leader.
"Immediate Establishment of a Special Committee Against Anti-Constitutional Activities… Firm Reforms in Prosecution, Judiciary, and Media"
Running as candidate number one, Kim emphasized in his speech, "The elected floor leader must be the strongest driving force for reform within the next year, eliminating internal forces and swiftly and decisively addressing the numerous reform tasks in prosecution, judiciary, and media." He further stated, "I will establish a special investigation committee against anti-constitutional activities immediately after taking office to uncover every last piece of the truth."
He also added, "I have experience in leading the National Intelligence Service reform task force, successfully completing reforms that had been stagnant for decades," and that he would pursue practical innovations through the Party-Government-Private Council, Euljiro Committee, and the establishment of a new deputy representative for people's livelihood.
"First Floor Leader of a Dominant Majority Party… I Will Not Be Ashamed"
Immediately after his election, Kim said, "I have a prepared acceptance speech, just in case I might be elected," and expressed his deep gratitude for being chosen as the floor leader despite his shortcomings.
He continued, "As the first floor leader of an overwhelming majority party, I will fulfill my duties responsibly."
A Key Figure in the Pro-Moon and Pro-Lee Camp…"Mr. Chairman, Now Please Draw Your Sword"
Born in 1961 in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, Kim was recruited by former President Moon Jae-in during his tenure as the leader of the DPK in 2016.
He was elected in the 20th National Assembly elections to represent Dongjak-gu in Seoul and has also been elected in the 21st and 22nd National Assembly elections. Within the party, he has served as the Vice Chairman of the Policy Committee, Chief Secretary General, and Chief Deputy Chairman of the Recruitment Committee.
Notably, when the motion for the arrest of then-Party Leader Lee Jae-myung was passed in the National Assembly in 2023, he wrote, “History will record today as the day Democratic Party members became dogs. Mr. Chairman, now please draw your sword.”
Image source: New Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki / News1, News1
