Lee Sang-hoon elected floor leader; Im Man-gyun, Seong Heum-je and Lee Byeong-do nominated for speaker, deputy speaker and steering committee chair
The Democratic Party of Korea caucus at the Seoul Metropolitan Council held its second general assembly of newly elected members Monday afternoon, selecting its floor leader and nominating candidates for speaker, deputy speaker and steering committee chair to lead the first half of the council's 12th term.
Lee Sang-hoon, a lawmaker representing Gangbuk District 2, was elected floor leader after pledging to expand the policy functions of the floor leader's office and provide full support for legislative activities. "We can no longer tolerate Mayor Oh Se-hoon's administration, which turns a blind eye to people's livelihoods and governs through self-righteous, closed-door politics," Lee said. "I will build a strong and capable one-team caucus grounded in sharp strategy and unified political strength."
Im Man-gyun, a three-term lawmaker representing Gwanak District 3, was nominated as speaker candidate. Im put forward "a strong and capable council that takes responsibility for citizens' lives" as his central platform. During the second half of the 11th council term, he chaired the Democratic Party's environment and water resources committee and, despite the party's minority status, scrutinized Mayor Oh's Han River bus project and helped defeat a motion to approve changes to the Han River bus MOU. "I will overwhelm the Oh Se-hoon administration with logic and ability," Im said.
Seong Heum-je, a three-term lawmaker representing Eunpyeong District 1, was nominated as deputy speaker candidate. Seong served as the Democratic Party's floor leader during the second half of the 11th council term and has been credited by colleagues for providing clear direction for the party through strong leadership despite the challenges of being in the minority. "I will serve as a solid bridge between the speaker's office, the standing committee chairs and the floor leadership," Seong said.
Lee Byeong-do, a three-term lawmaker representing Eunpyeong District 2, was elected as the candidate for steering committee chair. Lee previously chaired the 11th Seoul Metropolitan Council's budget and settlement special committee, demonstrating strong expertise and capability. He put forward AI- and digital-driven innovation in legislative activities and a comprehensive overhaul of the council's communications and outreach systems as his key campaign pledges.
Lee Sang-hoon's term as floor leader begins Tuesday. The speaker candidates are expected to be formally confirmed at a full plenary session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council in July, subject to a vote by all council members.
Kim Jeong-hwan, who chaired the election management committee, thanked all candidates for "practicing a clean and fair election through healthy competition" and urged the new leadership to "enhance the standing of a one-team Democratic Party through active communication and mutual respect, and take the lead in establishing ourselves as a reliable partner for the livelihoods of Seoul citizens."
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