Simsangjeong Stepping Down as Party Leader: "Feeling Alone at the Top... Sorry for Not Giving Hope"

The Process Ravaged by Elite Collusion, a Painful Stain in the History of Democracy

Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, is giving a farewell speech at a retirement press conference held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 24th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Lawmaker Sim Sang-jung, who is stepping down from her position as leader of the Justice Party, expressed her regret, saying, "I am sorry for not being able to bring hope through tangible changes to the lives of the people in this era of disaster and inequality," and added, "I will deeply reflect on what was lacking and what more was needed."

On the 24th, Sim held a farewell press conference at the National Assembly and said, "To be honest, there were many times I felt like a person standing alone at the top of a high mountain."

She continued, "The weight of responsibility was not light. However, now I want to share that burden with my junior colleagues," and added, "I will overcome the outdated two-party system and establish politics at the heart of the hard lives of citizens living in this era of disaster."

Regarding her decision to step down early from the leadership position, Sim said, "It is not only because of the responsibility for the general election results," but "to introduce 'Justice Party Season Two' more quickly."

She emphasized, "Despite the general election results, I believe the 9.67% support rate given by the people holds special meaning," and stressed, "The affectionate support from the people should not be overshadowed by the election failure or the small number of seats."

Sim expressed regret over the failure to implement the revised election law. She said, "The revised election law, which we achieved by pouring our utmost effort, was not realized," and added, "The process in which the institutional achievement, painstakingly won through reform cooperation, was trampled by vested interest cooperation will remain a painful stain in the history of our democracy."

She also stated, "The strengthened two-party system is becoming more distant from the lives of the people," and emphasized the need for political reform, saying, "In this era of disaster, the desire for better parties that can guarantee citizens' safety and dignified lives is growing stronger."

She continued, "Therefore, the Justice Party and I will not stop," and added, "The Justice Party was born to change politics. Political reform is a destiny-like task for me, Sim Sang-jung. It is a mission to lay the stepping stones for reforming people’s livelihoods. I will tighten my shoelaces again, return to my original intention, and embark on the path of political reform."

Sim expressed hope for the newly elected leadership that will emerge from this election, saying, "Whoever it may be, the new leadership will be the second generation of progressive politics," and showed anticipation for the renewed Justice Party. She emphasized, "They will excellently perform the role of a strong bridge connecting the first and third generations of progressive politics, completing Team Justice Party’s generational solidarity differentiated from the two major parties."

Meanwhile, Sim Sang-jung, who was elected as party leader for a two-year term in July last year and served for about 14 months, announced her early resignation on May 17th, taking responsibility for the party’s defeat in the general election.