Seoul council member Lee Byeong-do bids for steering committee chair

Seoul Metropolitan Council member Lee Byeong-do of the Democratic Party of Korea (Eunpyeong District 2) has officially declared his candidacy for steering committee chair for the first half of the 12th council term, presenting a vision to "build a strong and capable Seoul Metropolitan Council."

According to the Democratic Party caucus at the Seoul Metropolitan Council, Lee was the sole candidate to apply during the nomination period held June 18 and 19.

The steering committee is the council's central governing body, overseeing overall legislative operations and scheduling while supporting members' legislative activities and providing checks and oversight of the Seoul city administration.

Lee said he aims to build a council that, as the majority opposition party, responsibly checks and monitors the Oh Se-hoon administration while raising members' policy capabilities to bring meaningful change to residents' lives.

He particularly emphasized that the steering committee chair is not a platform for self-promotion but a role focused on supporting fellow members' legislative work, pledging to serve faithfully as a facilitator and collaborator.

To that end, Lee put forward four core campaign pledges under the banner of "a stronger Democratic Party, a more capable Seoul Metropolitan Council." They include modernizing legislative activities through generative AI and digital technology, overhauling the council's communications and outreach systems, strengthening support for policy development, legislation, budgeting and administrative audits, and building a field-centered support system to resolve constituents' concerns.

"Each member's legislative achievements translate directly into public trust," Lee said. "I will put in place a systematic support framework so that members can focus more fully on policy and legislative work."

A three-term council member, Lee is regarded as one of the council's leading policy experts. During the 10th and 11th terms, he served as vice chair of the Health and Welfare Committee, chair of the Budget and Settlement Special Committee, and a member of the steering committee, building expertise in policy, budgeting and organizational management. He also served as floor leader and vice chair of the policy committee for the Democratic Party caucus in the 11th term, leading internal policy coordination and floor operations.

"The Democratic Party of Korea in the 12th Seoul Metropolitan Council must unite as one team to build a people-first legislature that protects residents' lives," Lee said. "I will do my utmost to make the Seoul Metropolitan Council one that citizens can trust, through responsible oversight and the presentation of credible alternatives."

The Democratic Party caucus at the Seoul Metropolitan Council is scheduled to hold its steering committee chair election on June 29. After the council opens on July 1, the chair will be formally elected by a full vote of all ruling and opposition members at a plenary session.