5-term Seo Byung-su urges first-term party leader candidates... "Young generation, step up"

People Power Party Assemblyman Seo Byung-soo Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] Seo Byung-soo, a member of the People Power Party, urged first-term lawmakers to challenge the party leadership, saying that if the "generation that represented the spirit of the industrialization era" does not step aside, "the younger generation should take two steps ahead."

On the 15th, Seo wrote on Facebook, "Politicians trapped in the outdated paradigms of industrialization and democratization lack the strength to lead values such as fairness, ecology, and AI as the spirit of the times." He added, "I have heard the criticism that 'People Power Party lawmakers are compliant people who listen well and line up well, so they are used to occupying the warm spot at the bottom.' I believe that tomorrow's party meeting will show that the People Power Party is a living party through challenge and struggle."

On the 13th, Seo declared that he would not run for the next party leader, emphasizing the need for generational change along with the decision of other senior members not to run, saying, "Those who wield considerable power inside and outside the party, including myself, should not step forward now."

Within the People Power Party, voices are emerging that first-term lawmakers should challenge the party leadership for reform. Seo Byung-soo's younger brother, Seo Beom-su, is also a first-term lawmaker.

So far, the only first-term lawmaker who has expressed intention to run for party leader is Kim Woong. Kim officially announced his candidacy at the 'People Power Party First-term Lawmakers Meeting' held at the National Assembly the day before.