“An Owner of a Private Company Fires the CEO as if Giving a Notice”
Son Hak-kyu, leader of the Bareunmirae Party, holds a press conference at the National Assembly on the 28th. At this event, Leader Son rejected the demand for former leader Ahn Cheol-soo's resignation. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Sohn Hak-kyu, leader of the Bareunmirae Party, rejected former lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo's demand to transition to an emergency committee system and resign from the party leadership on the 28th.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly that day, Sohn said, "I never imagined a unilateral notice telling me to step down, calling many reporters and cameras, what the media calls a so-called 'final ultimatum,'" adding, "It felt like the owner of a private company firing the CEO."
He pointed out, "Former lawmaker Ahn proposed the formation of an emergency committee and demanded a leadership change, mentioning a party-wide vote, a party convention, and a vote of confidence," and added, "Ahn's proposal was no different from what the former Yoo Seung-min or Ahn Cheol-soo factions had said in the past."
He continued, "They also tried to oust me while talking about a party convention, a party-wide vote, and a vote of confidence," and added, "There was no explanation as to why the leadership system needed to be reorganized or why he should take the position of emergency committee chairman."
Sohn said, "I was quite taken aback internally," emphasizing, "Because what I expected from former lawmaker Ahn was to deeply discuss ways to worry about the party's future together and unite our efforts."
Sohn stated, "After losing the 1992 presidential election, former President Kim Dae-jung retired from politics and went to study at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Upon returning and reentering politics in 1995, he supported Cho Soon as Seoul mayor as a form of loyal service. Former President Kim was elected president through 'leadership of dedication,'" adding, "The way to save the Bareunmirae Party, which is currently in crisis, is to demonstrate leadership of dedication, which is also a virtue expected of political leaders like former lawmaker Ahn."
Sohn said, "The Bareunmirae Party must start coalition politics. We need to set an example," and added, "The party must unite, and the people must unite to avoid being swept away by strong foreign forces and storms and to move forward into the future."
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