Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, warned against the heated race for the party's next chairperson, saying, "We will respond strongly to negative campaigning that undermines party unity, such as the use of derogatory terms or excessive slander."
Conveying this policy of the National Party Convention Preparation Committee at the party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on Monday, Han said, "This convention should be a festival where the dignity of competition and the value of harmony coexist, and a stage for healthy competition that creates greater innovation through contests of policy and vision."
Addressing each candidate and their supporters, he said, "I ask you to continue a dignified competition so that this convention can bring hope to the people, opportunity to the youth, and pride to party members." As the person in overall charge of the convention, he expressed his resolve, saying, "I will do my utmost without a single gap to ensure a fair and stable convention is held."
Han said, "At yesterday's preparation committee meeting, we discussed matters concerning the convention as a whole." He added, "The party leadership election will apply a preferential voting system, so the final winner will be confirmed on the day without a separate runoff vote. The primary will be conducted as a weekend regional tour over three weeks." He also said, "We also discussed a plan to introduce a youth employment system to expand young people's participation in politics."
Meanwhile, Han criticized the People Power Party, which is still not cooperating in organizing the National Assembly's committees, saying, "No matter how much the People Power Party obstructs, it cannot stop the clock of the National Assembly." He said, "Even if the ruling and opposition parties have differences, it is the duty of the National Assembly and its obligation to the people to reach a conclusion through a vote—whether in favor or against—at least on bills referred to the plenary session." Urging participation, he said, "Of the 59 bills brought to the plenary session, a considerable number have completed review without particular controversy while passing through standing committees and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee." He then rebuked the party, saying, "Can the People Power Party explain to the people why it is blocking even these livelihood bills?"
Han emphasized, "The five standing committees chaired by the Democratic Party have already held their first meetings, and the remaining six standing committees will also promptly hold their first meetings to handle agenda items." He added, "The Democratic Party will not repeat the vicious cycle of the first-half Assembly, which was riddled with meaningless filibusters."
