Democratic Party Lawmaker Seo Young-kyo Declines to Run for Next Floor Leader

Rep. Seo Young-kyo of the Democratic Party announced on the 26th that she would not run in the upcoming race for the party's next floor leader. Rep. Seo stated her intention to focus on her role as chair of the special committee investigating suspicions of political prosecutors during the remaining period of the national audit. Rep. Seo currently serves as the chair of the Special Committee for National Audit investigating allegations of fabricated indictments by political prosecutors under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, and as the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. She cited the need to concentrate on these duties given the limited time left for the national audit.

Rep. Seo's decision not to run is expected to impact the dynamics of the upcoming floor leader election. Previously, a two-way contest was anticipated between former floor leader Han Byung-do and Rep. Seo, but her withdrawal has shifted the electoral landscape. Former floor leader Han Byung-do has announced his bid for a second term.

Rep. Seo emphasized that the new floor leader needs 'clear leadership' capable of effectively connecting the party with the current administration and garnering public support.