Scattered Families Gather... When Will the 'Three Independents' Return to the People Power Party?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 17th of last month, Rep. Kwon Seong-dong signaled his return to the People Power Party by rejoining, but the return schedules of the other three independent lawmakers remain uncertain. In particular, former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Jun-pyo faces internal party opposition that hinders his return.

Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, said at the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club debate on the 24th of last month, "Deciding who to allow back into the party depends on whether they participate in the party's changes to some extent and can show positive effects. There are various opinions, so it will be decided through the ongoing process," adding, "I cannot specify when or how a particular person will be reinstated." This is interpreted as meaning that the party will permit reentry only to those who can contribute positively during the party's transformation away from its conservative image.

Excluding Rep. Kwon who has returned, three independent lawmakers?Hong Jun-pyo, Yoon Sang-hyun, and Kim Tae-ho?are awaiting reentry. Among them, only Rep. Kim has submitted a reentry application. On the 17th of last month, when Rep. Kwon's return was confirmed, Rep. Kim said, "I thought a collective reentry of the four independents would be a good direction in line with the spirit of unification, so I did not proceed with the application process. However, since the direction has shifted to individual reentries, there is no reason to delay my application," and submitted his reentry form. Rep. Kim also received a non-prosecution notice regarding allegations of violating the Public Official Election Act filed shortly after the April 15 general election, signaling a green light for his return.

Among the two lawmakers who have not officially applied for reentry, Rep. Hong's return seems difficult. The strained relationship with Chairman Kim is a major issue. In April, Rep. Hong called Chairman Kim a "convicted bribery offender" on Facebook, claiming he had extracted a confession from Kim about receiving bribes during the 1993 Donghwa Bank slush fund scandal. He also fiercely criticized Kim's proposed basic income, calling it "essentially a socialist rationing system."

Rep. Hong, representing hardline conservatives, poses a risk of diluting the party's reform agenda if he rejoins, and there is significant opposition within the party, especially among first-term lawmakers. Chairman Kim said, "If public opinion forms that reentry would be more effective in advancing the People Power Party, then it can be discussed at that time."