![Rep. Han Byung-do, newly elected floor leader of the Democratic Party, poses for a photo with a bouquet from party leader Jung Cheong-rae at a lawmakers’ meeting at the National Assembly on Jan. 11. [Photo=Yonhap]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/01/11/20260111211420186400.jpg)
SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - The ruling Democratic Party (DP)'s newly elected floor leader Han Byung-do, has called for unity to build momentum for a resounding victory in the upcoming local elections slated for this summer.
The three-term lawmaker Han Byung-do was elected on Sunday to replace Kim Byung-ki, who resigned late last year amid a spate of bribery allegations and other misconduct.
In a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Han said, "There is no room for division and conflict," urging unity to win the local elections in June and ensure the success of the current Lee Jae Myung administration.
Expressing that he felt a "heavy sense of responsibility," Han added, "To earn the public's trust, we must join forces on issues that improve people's lives, as the public is watching."
He said the ruling party's role is to bring the party, government, and presidential office together to adjust differences through discussion.
Han also suggested that he is willing to talk with the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on state affairs. "I'm ready to discuss and negotiate with opposition parties on all issues," he said, "unless they oppose solely for the sake of opposition."
Han, widely considered among aides close to former President Moon Jae-in, will serve the remainder of Kim's term until May.
The three-term lawmaker Han Byung-do was elected on Sunday to replace Kim Byung-ki, who resigned late last year amid a spate of bribery allegations and other misconduct.
In a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Han said, "There is no room for division and conflict," urging unity to win the local elections in June and ensure the success of the current Lee Jae Myung administration.
Expressing that he felt a "heavy sense of responsibility," Han added, "To earn the public's trust, we must join forces on issues that improve people's lives, as the public is watching."
He said the ruling party's role is to bring the party, government, and presidential office together to adjust differences through discussion.
Han also suggested that he is willing to talk with the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on state affairs. "I'm ready to discuss and negotiate with opposition parties on all issues," he said, "unless they oppose solely for the sake of opposition."
Han, widely considered among aides close to former President Moon Jae-in, will serve the remainder of Kim's term until May.
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