Kwon Seong-dong Announces Intention to Resign... "Plan to Elect New Floor Leader on the 19th" (Comprehensive)

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, attends the party's policy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 7th. He is making a phone call before the meeting starts. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kwon Hyun-ji] Floor leader Kwon Seong-dong announced his intention to resign on the 8th. He said that the new floor leader will be elected at a party members' meeting scheduled for the 19th.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Kwon said, "I hereby announce my intention to resign as the ruling party floor leader," adding, "I hope the party will promptly proceed with the procedures to elect a new floor leader."

Regarding the timing of the new floor leader's election, he explained, "The floor leader must continue to fulfill his role until a successor is elected," and "As planned, there is a party members' meeting scheduled on the 19th to elect the floor leader. Until then, I cannot leave the position vacant and will continue to serve, while the policy committee chair or chief will be decided by the successor."

Floor Leader Kwon said, "I have long been determined to resign, but I had no choice but to reveal my intention only now," adding, "There were tasks I had to accomplish as floor leader, such as revising the party constitution and rules and transitioning to a new emergency committee. I humbly accept criticism that my resignation is too late."

He emphasized, "After great efforts, we won the presidential election, but we are still in a politically disadvantageous position," and stressed, "Throughout the presidential election process and even during the transition period, the major opposition party obstructed us at every turn and spread false provocations."

He also cited his emphasis on the party's clarity during his term as an achievement. He added, "Since taking office as floor leader, I have confronted the Democratic Party and biased media's false provocations, publicized the forced repatriation and the killing of Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries officials during the Moon Jae-in administration, demanded strict law enforcement against illegal acts by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, and pointed out the dangers of their anti-American struggle."

Floor Leader Kwon said that because of this, he was criticized as 'hateful' and 'far-right' even within the conservative camp, stating, "We must not fear the stigmas such as 'far-right' and 'hate' that they arbitrarily attach to us."

He continued, "Within the conservative camp, we must be wary of the foolishness of borrowing leftist agendas to dress them up as 'reform' hypocrisy and using that hypocrisy as a tool for internal struggles." This is interpreted as a remark aimed at former leader Lee Jun-seok, who sparked controversy over 'internal shooting' (naebujongjil).

Regarding the term Yoonhaekgwan (Yoon Seok-yeol core associates), he said, "The term itself was created by former leader Lee as a way to mock and divide," adding, "Because of that, many people who helped bring President Yoon Seok-yeol to power and led the regime change were emotionally hurt."

He also said, "Party comrades who led the regime change should be subjects of praise, not ridicule," and requested, "Please refrain from such expressions."

In response to criticism that the exposure of his 'internal shooting' text messages triggered the transition to an emergency committee, he said, "Regardless of the circumstances, it was my fault that the content was exposed due to my carelessness," but also questioned, "Politicians have private lives, but using a telescope to zoom in on texts for reporting, and turning whispers beside members at a party members' meeting into news, isn't that going beyond proper limits?"

Floor Leader Kwon said, "Although I am resigning as floor leader, I sincerely hope the succeeding leadership will strive to make our party a clearer and firmer conservative party." He also expressed his intention to rest for a while after tirelessly working since the last presidential election until today.

When asked about his future role, he said, "As a member of the National Assembly, I believe there are many opportunities for me to contribute to our party's reform, development, and the success of the Yoon administration," adding, "I will do my best in the roles given to me."

When asked to name his achievements and shortcomings during his tenure as floor leader, he said, "I regret most that I could not resolve internal conflicts and confusion early and deeply feel responsible as a member of the leadership," and added, "Pointing out biased media issues and exposing problems of civic groups that do not hesitate to break the law are aspects I did well for social progress."