Yeo Emergency Meeting, "Public Sentiment Whip... Discussing Reform" No Conclusion on Leadership Resignation

Kim Tae-nyeon, Acting Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and others showed stern expressions on the 7th after checking the exit poll results of the April 7 by-elections at the situation room set up at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea humbly accepted the crushing defeat in the April 7 by-elections and discussed possible directions for reform through an emergency Supreme Council meeting held that day. Among various options, the total resignation of the leadership was also mentioned, but no conclusion was reached on the day.

According to political circles on the 8th, Kim Tae-nyeon, acting party leader, along with Supreme Council members Kim Jong-min and Shin Dong-geun, held an emergency meeting at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, following the by-election results which confirmed a landslide victory for the People Power Party.

At the meeting, strong reform measures including the total resignation of the leadership were discussed. There was also a proposal to form an emergency response committee centered around a new floor leader to manage the party.

After the meeting, Supreme Council member Kim Jong-min told reporters, "We discussed various matters and decided to reconvene tomorrow to finalize the direction at the party caucus meeting," adding, "We shared the view that the Democratic Party has been whipped by public sentiment as reflected in the election results."

He continued, "Fundamentally, we must reform ourselves and respond anew to public sentiment," and noted, "There was no disagreement on this point." However, opinions were divided on reform through the total resignation of the leadership, and no consensus was reached.

At around 11:40 a.m. that day, Acting Leader Kim told reporters, "The issue of the leadership's position will be discussed and announced at the party caucus meeting."

Meanwhile, the party leadership stated that they humbly accept the election results and will reflect and innovate.

Lee Nak-yeon, the Democratic Party's standing election committee chairman, issued a statement after the exit polls were announced, saying, "We were greatly lacking in winning the hearts of the people," and "We humbly accept the people's choice."

He added, "We will reflect on and innovate based on the public sentiment revealed by the election," and expressed gratitude "to both the people who supported us and those who did not."

Acting Leader Kim also stated in a position paper, "We humbly accept the public sentiment reflected in the election results," and "We will reflect and innovate according to the will of the people."