Democratic Party selects Yoo Young-cheol as Suncheon council speaker candidate

Returns to city council after 8 years; Rebuilding Korea Party's Lee Bok-nam expected to run

Elected Democratic Party members of the Suncheon City Council from the party's Suncheon-Gwangyang-Gokseong-Gurye-A district committee held a general assembly Friday and selected two-term member-elect Yoo Young-cheol, 60, as their candidate for speaker of the first half of the 10th council term.

The assembly convened at the Suncheon Chamber of Commerce and Industry conference room under the Suncheon-A district committee, chaired by National Assembly member Kim Moon-su. Members voted to select speaker candidates, and Yoo secured a majority in the first round to become the Democratic Party's nominee for first-half speaker.

Three candidates entered the race: Lee Young-ran, a three-term incumbent and the most senior member within the party caucus; two-term incumbent Seo Seon-ran; and Yoo.

Before the vote, Lee Young-ran had been widely seen as the frontrunner, backed by the district committee chair. The ballot results, however, showed Yoo winning the most votes from fellow council members.

Yoo previously served on the city council from July 2014 to June 2018 and is returning after eight years away. Though he ranks lower in seniority, he is regarded as having extensive political experience and strong oratory skills.

"I understand that my fellow council members agreed with my campaign pledge to build a council that communicates and works in harmony, and one that is capable and strong enough to keep the executive branch in check," Yoo said in his acceptance remarks.

Of the 25 seats on the Suncheon City Council, 19 belong to the Democratic Party. The remaining seats are held by two members of the Rebuilding Korea Party, two from the Progressive Party and two independents. People Power Party member Lee Se-eun did not run in this election.

Among non-Democratic Party members, Lee Bok-nam of the Rebuilding Korea Party — the council's most senior member with five terms — is expected to run for speaker, but faces a steep disadvantage in any floor vote given the Democratic Party's commanding majority.

Within the Democratic Party caucus, two-term incumbent Lee Hyang-gi was selected as the candidate for deputy speaker. Lee Hyeon-jae was chosen to chair the steering committee, Jang Gyeong-won the administrative and civil affairs committee, Jeong Gwang-hyeon the culture and economy committee, and Yang Dong-jin the urban construction committee.

Progressive Party member-elect Choi Mi-hee is expected to run for a standing committee chairmanship.

The Suncheon City Council will convene a special session July 1 to elect the first-half speaker and deputy speaker, select the four standing committee chairs on July 2, and hold an opening ceremony on July 14.