South Korea’s Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik: An Unlikely Leadership Symbol Amid Crisis

Seoul – South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik is gaining recognition amid the nation’s political unrest caused by President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration on December 3.

Historically, South Korea’s parliamentary speaker holds a low-profile, non-partisan role. However, Woo’s decisive actions throughout the crisis are shifting this perspective.

“His decisive actions have highlighted the existence of capable politicians,” Yoo Junghoon, a political columnist, told Al Jazeera. Woo’s popularity even earned him the nickname “National Assembly Thor” among South Korean youth.

A Gallup Korea poll revealed that 56% of respondents trust Woo, a rare figure considering that trust in the National Assembly has dropped to just 20.6%, according to an OECD survey 2024.

From Student protester to ‘Thor’ of constitutional procedure

Woo, a former student activist, was imprisoned for protesting against the martial law expansion in 1980. After President Yoon declared martial law, Woo scaled the National Assembly fence to hold a vote overturning the order.

Even amidst mounting pressure and a tense standoff with troops, Woo insisted on following the correct legislative procedures, leading to martial law’s successful repeal.

Bong Young-shik, a research fellow at Yonsei University, credits the peaceful resolution to Woo’s diligent adherence to constitutional procedures.

‘South Korea is strong, people resilient’

Woo adhered to strict constitutional procedures during the first, failed impeachment vote against President Yoon. He even kept the legislative session open for hours, urging politicians to cast a vote.

After the successful second impeachment vote, Woo called for normalcy, encouraging South Koreans to resume holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Recognizing his rising profile, Woo dismissed the idea of a presidential bid, emphasizing the need for constitutional reform. “Our current constitution, drafted in 1987, needs reforms for societal changes over the past four decades,” he said.

“South Korea is strong. Its people are resilient,” Woo added. “Despite the martial law declaration, South Korea remains secure, stable, and confident.”