Son Hak-kyu: "Once the Third Zone Integration is Complete, 'My Role is Over'... I Will Not Run for Party Leader"

"Integration with Daean Shindang and Pyeonghwa Party... Expecting 'Visible Results' Soon"

Son Hak-kyu, leader of the Bareunmirae Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Sohn Hak-kyu, leader of the Bareunmirae Party, stated on the 5th regarding the third zone integration, "The centrist integration in the third zone to change the structure of Korean politics cannot be completed solely through integration with existing parties such as the Alternative New Party and the Party for Democracy and Peace, but integration with these parties is an essential element," adding, "The centrist integration in the third zone is being closely discussed, and results will come out soon."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Leader Sohn said, "Once the integration of third zone parties and the integration with the new future generation are completed, I believe my role ends there, and I will work hard," and added, "After that, as an ordinary party member, I will dedicate myself to the development of Korean politics and the advancement of practical centrist reform politics focused on people's livelihoods."

Regarding the replacement of appointed Supreme Council members and the Secretary-General, Leader Sohn said, "There are only 70 days left until the general election. We must completely reorganize the party system to prepare for the election, and normalizing party affairs is urgent," and emphasized, "We can no longer continue the situation where important matters cannot be resolved because the Supreme Council meetings are not held."

Following the dismissal of Supreme Council members Joo Seung-yong and Kim Kwan-young, who refused party duties the previous day, as well as Secretary-General Lim Jae-hoon, Deputy Secretary-General Lee Haeng-ja, and Secretary-General Jang Jin-young, Leader Sohn promptly appointed key party officials.

After the Supreme Council meeting that day, Leader Sohn told reporters, "We expect to accelerate the integration with the Alternative New Party and the Party for Democracy and Peace and see visible results soon," and added, "Once the overall integration with the future generation is achieved, my role ends there. I will not serve as party leader after the integration."