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Press Release: South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Emerges as Key Leader Amid Political Crisis

Seoul – December 19, 2024 – Amidst a political upheaval following President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration on December 3, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has unexpectedly stepped into the spotlight, capturing public trust and admiration. Historically, the speaker’s role has been low-profile, emphasizing neutrality by renouncing party affiliation, unlike the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Woo’s decisive actions during this crisis have challenged traditional perceptions of his role. His efforts to uphold constitutional procedures while facing armed forces outside the assembly demonstrated unwavering commitment to democracy. “I knew we had the constitutional authority to lift martial law. I had to get inside the assembly, no matter what,” he stated, reflecting on his bold decision to scale assembly barricades to ensure legislative voting occurred.

A notable Gallup Korea poll revealed a remarkable 56 percent of respondents express trust in Woo, diverging from the National Assembly’s general approval rating of just 20.6 percent. This popularity has led many to liken him to a superhero, coining him "National Assembly Thor."

Rooted in activism, Woo was imprisoned as a young student during protests against the military dictatorship in the 1980s. This history adds depth to his recent actions, where his insistence on proper procedure, even under pressure, played a crucial role in navigating the crisis without civilian casualties.

Following the successful impeachment of President Yoon on December 14, Woo called for national reconciliation and constitutional reforms to address persistent instability in South Korea’s political framework.

In closing, Woo reassured the nation, stating, “South Korea is strong. Its people are resilient,” emphasizing confidence in the nation’s future stability.

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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com