The leadership of the 22nd National Assembly, including Speaker Woo Won-sik and Deputy Speakers Lee Hak-young and Joo Ho-young, officially concluded their terms during a retirement ceremony on May 29. Speaker Woo reflected on the past two years, stating, "The National Assembly must always prioritize the people."
During the ceremony held in the National Assembly, Woo remarked, "I believe we have worked to protect democracy and, through that democracy, to safeguard the lives of the people."
He emphasized the need for the National Assembly to continuously operate for the benefit of the public, stating, "There are many barriers in the National Assembly, including conflicts, political strife, and partisanship. If the Assembly becomes stalled due to these barriers while the people's lives continue without pause, it will only make life harder for the public and widen the gap between the Assembly and the people."
Woo added, "I will return to being a regular member starting tomorrow. I will persistently work to ensure that democracy, proven through the lives of the people, becomes the strongest weapon for those who are weak. It has been a great honor to serve as Speaker during such a complex and critical time over the past two years."
Deputy Speaker Lee expressed gratitude, saying, "Speaker Woo led us exceptionally well over the past two years. We faced historical challenges together and overcame them. It has been a tremendous honor for me, and I sincerely thank everyone who shared this honor with us."
Deputy Speaker Joo noted, "The first half of the National Assembly has seen many events, but as the opposition, there were many regrets. I question whether we have properly checked the executive branch under the principle of separation of powers, as the ruling party has unilaterally supported the government."
He added, "Successful democracies are based on tolerance and restraint. I have worried that we might be going astray due to ignorance and arrogance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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