SEOUL — South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik will make a three-day official visit to Singapore from January 18 to 21, as both countries seek to strengthen parliamentary and strategic cooperation.
The visit is at the invitation of Singapore’s Speaker of Parliament, Seah Kian Peng. During his stay, Mr Woo is expected to meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and hold discussions with Singaporean leaders on expanding cooperation between the two countries.
In South Korea’s political system, the Speaker of the National Assembly holds the second-highest office, after the president. Mr Woo has gained international attention and the nickname “Thor” for his decisive role during South Korea’s 2024 martial law crisis, when he ensured parliamentary procedures continued despite political turmoil.
In comments shared ahead of the visit, Mr Woo said he hopes the trip will help strengthen ties at the parliamentary level and open new areas of practical cooperation. He noted that 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Singapore, a milestone that saw ties elevated to a strategic partnership.
He also highlighted the close working relationship he has developed with Mr Seah, following the Singapore Speaker’s visit to South Korea in February 2025 and their interactions at international parliamentary meetings.
“I hope this visit can act as a strong bridge and open a new chapter for the next 50 years of Korea-Singapore relations,” Mr Woo said.
Mr Woo’s visit comes about five months before his term as Speaker ends in May 2026. His two-year tenure has been marked by major political events, including the aftermath of former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Following that crisis, Mr Woo emerged as one of the country’s most trusted political figures and received the Baekbong Gentlemen Award for the second year in a row in January 2026, recognising integrity and exemplary conduct among lawmakers.
As his term nears its end, Mr Woo has said he is focused on pushing for constitutional reforms to prevent the misuse of emergency powers in the future, stressing that protecting democracy and the constitution remains his top priority.
Source: The StraitTimes
