A division emerged on Friday between supporters of the new National Assembly speaker candidate, Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Woo Won-shik, and those close to main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. The opposition's "pro-Lee" faction raised concerns about a party vote in which Woo was elected as the sole candidate for the next Assembly speaker, defeating Rep. Choo Mi-ae, a prominent lawmaker and close ally of Lee. Some pro-Lee lawmakers called for transparency in the voting process, while others voiced their dissatisfaction with the outcome. In response to the controversy, Democratic Party Rep. Jung Chung-rae, a key ally of Lee, apologized to party members who had supported Choo and urged them to remain united. Woo expressed regret over Jung's comments and accused him of attempting to divide the party. Observers had varied opinions on the election results, with some interpreting it as a subtle resistance against Lee's influence, while others downplayed the conflict. Despite the discord, Woo is set to replace the current Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, pending an official election during a plenary session involving all incoming lawmakers.