Joo Ho-young: "Overwhelming Opinion That Party Convention Should Start After Regular National Assembly"

Announced at the National Assembly Press Briefing on the 16th

Joo Ho-young, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong, Kwon Hyunji] Joo Ho-young, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, said on the 16th regarding the timing of the party convention, "After listening to opinions inside and outside the party, I understand that there is a significantly overwhelming opinion that it would be better to start the convention after the regular National Assembly session ends."

At a meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th, when asked about the 'Emergency Committee operation period,' Chairman Joo stated, "It would be better to resolve the emergency situation as soon as possible. However, since the regular National Assembly session starts on September 1, there is the question of whether it is appropriate to hold the party convention during the regular session."

He continued, "The specific period cannot be set at the beginning of the Emergency Committee, but once the results of the injunction scheduled for tomorrow and other situations are somewhat settled, we will try to reach a consensus within the Emergency Committee as soon as possible on when it can be held, so that the party can have a predictable political schedule."

Regarding the nature of the Emergency Committee, he emphasized that it is not simply administrative. He said, "Although managing the party convention might be called administrative, management alone is insufficient. The Innovation Committee is currently operating, and there must be clear reasons why the party's approval rating is falling. If we find those reasons and simultaneously work to regain the trust of the public, wouldn't that be innovation?"

Regarding the injunction application to suspend the effectiveness of the Emergency Committee launched by former party leader Lee Jun-seok's side, Chairman Joo said they are preparing for both 'dismissal' and 'acceptance.' He stated, "The main issues seem to be whether there is a problem because the resigned Supreme Council members approved the formation of the Emergency Committee, and whether there was an issue with the ARS (Automated Response System) voting."

Regarding the criteria for appointing Emergency Committee members announced that day, Chairman Joo emphasized, "As our party entered the Emergency Committee, opinions were very divided, so we thought to first appoint those who are somewhat free from those disputes. We made appointments considering representatives for each player, region, and non-parliamentary committee chairpersons, as well as factors such as youth, women, and persons with disabilities."