Kwon Seong-dong, Reconfirmed: "Acknowledging Shortcomings... Will Approach with a Humble Attitude"

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is answering reporters' questions as he leaves the meeting room after a party caucus held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 16th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 16th at the party meeting where he was reaffirmed, "I honestly admit that there were parts where I was lacking," and added, "I will carry out my duties as floor leader with a more cautious and humble attitude going forward."

On the afternoon of the same day, Kwon posted on his Facebook, "I was well aware that there were pros and cons regarding my position," and said, "However, during the implementation process of the Emergency Response Committee, I had responsibilities that I had to fulfill, and I refrained from speaking because my declaration of position could have caused further controversy."

Earlier, while serving as acting party leader, Kwon sparked controversy over issues such as '9th-grade civil servant' and 'leakage of internal disparaging text messages.' Within the party, there were calls for him to resign as floor leader. The People Power Party held a party meeting in the afternoon to decide the list of Emergency Response Committee members and passed a vote of confidence for Kwon.

He continued, "Today, before the Standing National Committee's resolution, we held a party meeting to ask for a vote of confidence. I said that if the members told me to step down, I would do so without hesitation," and added, "I promised that if I received reaffirmation, I would work hard for the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration." He also stated, "I will seek the valuable opinions of the members who were inevitably absent from today's meeting, and especially listen carefully to those who gave the harshest criticism."

Meanwhile, Joo Ho-young, chairman of the Emergency Response Committee, told reporters immediately after the meeting, "Although I could not confirm the exact numbers, (Kwon Seong-dong) was overwhelmingly reaffirmed."

Kwon also said, "I am grateful to the members for giving me another chance to work, and I feel the weight of responsibility," and added, "Since today is the day to appoint Emergency Response Committee members, I judged that it would be helpful for the committee's activities in the future to ask for reaffirmation when the committee is launched and decide my position according to the members' wishes."