Rep. Woo Won-shik of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, second from left, receives flowers from party leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung after being elected as the candidate for speaker during the first half of the 22nd National Assembly at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. On the left is former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, who was widely viewed as the strongest candidate backed by Lee. Yonhap

Rep. Woo Won-shik of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) was elected as the candidate for the speaker of the first half of the 22nd National Assembly on Thursday. This outcome defied expectations, as many anticipated that former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae would secure the party's primary for the position.

The veteran politician and former justice minister had been widely perceived as the preferred candidate of DPK Chairman Lee Jae-myung for the speaker position, and therefore considered the strongest contender. But Woo's unexpected victory has sparked speculation that Lee's hold on the party may be weakening.

In the two-way race, Woo won the majority of votes cast by 169 lawmakers-elect. Given that the Assembly traditionally elects a candidate nominated by the largest party as the speaker, the primary is considered to be the de facto final election for the speaker position.

As the largest party in the 300-member parliament with 175 seats, the DPK has the right to designate the Assembly speaker and a vice speaker. Woo, who secured his fifth term in the April 10 general elections, will ultimately become the leader of the legislative branch after a vote at the first plenary session scheduled for June 5.

Woo vowed to enhance the quality of life for the country's citizens and ensure that the government does its job.

"The National Assembly speaker is not just a moderator. I will seek consultation with the ruling and opposition parties, but if there is a delay that goes against public sentiment, I will handle it in accordance with the National Assembly Act," Woo said after winning the primary. "Neutrality is valuable when it improves people's livelihoods and rights."

The party also selected Rep. Lee Hack-young, a four-term lawmaker with experience as a social activist, as the Assembly's vice speaker.

Woo, a former social activist turned lawmaker, is recognized for his expertise in labor and environmental issues. He chaired the Euljiro Committee, which advocates for the rights of subcontractors, and led the DPK committee opposing Tokyo's proposal to release treated water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. Previously, he served as the DPK's floor leader from 2017 to 2018.

Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung, center, congratulates Rep. Woo Won-shik after Woo was selected as the party's National Assembly speaker candidate, at the Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. On the left is Choo Mi-ae, who was seen as the leading candidate backed by the chairman. Yonhap

The surprise outcome stunned DPK members who were present at the primary. It was widely understood that Choo, a six-term lawmaker, had the support of the party chairman and floor leader Park Chan-dae. Two other lawmakers, known to be loyal to Lee, withdrew from the primary race, with their decisions assumed to align with the chairman and the party's intention to assist Choo in becoming the speaker.

However, this situation has also drawn criticism, even from within the DPK, with members expressing concern that the chairman is exerting excessive influence over the Assembly.

"Floor leader Park Chan-dae's pressure on other candidates to withdraw their bids from the primary made lawmakers-elect vote for Woo," said Park Chang-hwan, a political commentator and professor at Jangan University. "Woo has shown sincerity when leading committees protecting subcontractors' rights. He possesses strong negotiating skills and demonstrates consistent leadership."

Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University, said the outcome of the primary was unpredictable, adding that it points to the fact that Lee's power is waning.

"We cannot rule out the possibility that the election result will stop Lee from exercising too much influence over the party. It has become obvious that Lee's firm grip on power is weakening," Shin said.