Anchor: Main opposition Democratic Party(DP) Rep. Woo Won-shik is set to become the next parliamentary speaker after defeating heavyweight Choo Mi-ae in the DP primaries as the majority party customarily holds the speaker position. Woo vowed that the 22nd National Assembly will be completely different, hinting to take a hardline stance. Choi You Sun reports.

Report: The main opposition Democratic Party's(DP) four-term Rep. Woo Won-shik is anticipated to assume the role of speaker in the upcoming 22nd National Assembly, slated to convene later this month after defeating six-term lawmaker-elect Choo Mi-ae to be elected as party candidate. 

This follows the tradition where the party with the highest number of parliamentary seats typically holds the speaker position. 

Jin Sun-mee, head of the DP's central election committee, said on Thursday that Woo won the majority of votes cast by 169 lawmakers-elect, becoming the party's final candidate.

Following his primary win, Woo said the Assembly led by a speaker from the DP will ensure that the state serves its purpose and the country becomes a good place to live.

[Sound bite: Rep. Woo Won-shik, DP Candidate for Parliamentary Speaker (Korean/English)]
"I believe that the directions proposed and bills presented by the Democratic Party must be realized in the National Assembly in accordance with the will of the people, as this is the path to creating a better future for South Korea. Therefore, as the parliamentary speaker, I will lead the first half of the 22nd National Assembly considering whether something is beneficial or not, whether it is right or not for the people.” 

Woo vowed to create a completely different National Assembly stating that as speaker, he will put the public sentiment first and intends to proceed in accordance with the National Assembly Act when there is an unnecessary delay that goes against public sentiment.

[Sound bite: Rep. Woo Won-shik, DP Candidate for Parliamentary Speaker (Korean/English)]
"I have always believed that neutrality is valuable when it makes people's lives more comfortable and advances their rights. The speaker is not simply an announcer. I believe the speaker should reflect the sentiments of the public, those who have formed the parliament." 

Woo is expected to be confirmed as the next speaker through a plenary vote on June 5.

Three-term Rep. Lee Hack-young, who has secured his fourth term, was elected the DP's candidate for deputy speaker.

Choi You Sun, KBS World Radio News.