With "If the Emergency Committee is launched, Lee Jun-seok will be automatically dismissed as party leader... Party leader's authority disappears" (Update)

Request for Legal Interpretation on 'Gwolwi' During Lee Jun-seok's Party Membership Suspension Submitted to the Standing National Committee

Seo Byung-su, Chairman of the People Power Party National Committee, is leaving the press conference room after holding a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center on the 3rd regarding the composition of the National Committee and the Emergency Response Committee. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Kwon Hyun-ji] Seo Byung-soo, a member of the People Power Party (PPP) and chairperson of the party's National Committee, stated on the 3rd that it is impossible for Lee Jun-seok, the PPP leader, to return to his position as party leader upon the launch of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC). Since the previous leadership will be dissolved simultaneously with the launch of the ERC, Lee cannot return even if his party membership suspension is lifted.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the same day, Seo said, "Regardless of the nature of the ERC, once it is launched, the leadership body called the Supreme Council will be dissolved," adding, "The ERC chairperson will hold the authority of the party leader, which automatically dissolves the previous leadership, and Lee’s authority as party leader will also cease."

Within the party, there were voices suggesting that the ERC should be launched with a six-month activity period to allow Lee’s return. Regarding this, Seo said, "I think it is impossible," and added, "As soon as the ERC is formed, the ERC chairperson assumes the party leader’s authority, which automatically dismisses Lee as well."

When asked about the possibility of Lee taking legal actions such as injunctions against the launch of the ERC, Seo only said, "He is worried."

He also expressed the need to find a political solution in this regard. He said, "It is a decision-making authority of the leadership," but added, "Since we are politicians, rather than resolving this legally, it is necessary to communicate and find a win-win solution. To help the party quickly regain stability, instead of confronting each other antagonistically, it is important to communicate so that Lee can resign honorably and find a way to continue his political activities, thereby tying up the loose ends."

Meanwhile, Seo also revealed that he intends to seek an authoritative interpretation from the Standing National Committee regarding the judgment of Lee’s party membership suspension as an ‘accident’ through a party caucus meeting. If the Standing National Committee interprets it as a ‘guilty act’ rather than an accident, Kwon Seong-dong, the acting party leader and floor leader, will become the acting party leader and floor leader, enabling the appointment of the ERC chairperson without changing the party constitution or regulations.