Kim Ki-hyun "Accepts Resignation of Appointed Party Officials... Will Make Thorough Reforms"

All Appointed Party Officials Except Representative Kim Resign
Party Faction Rejects Resignation Calls... Successor Selection Over the Weekend

Kim Ki-hyun, the leader of the People Power Party, announced on the 14th that he would accept the total resignation of appointed party officials.

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

On the same day in the afternoon, Kim stated on Facebook, “I respect the decision of the appointed party officials for the party’s stability and progressive leap forward, and have decided to accept their intention,” thereby accepting their resignation.

He continued, “We will thoroughly reform the People Power Party into a unified form so that it becomes a party loved by the people, prioritize people’s livelihoods, and strive even harder to develop into a reformist party capable of progressive advancement.”

This statement by Kim is interpreted as rejecting calls for resignation raised by some quarters, while expressing his determination to directly reorganize and reform the party, which is in turmoil following the by-election defeat in Gangseo District, Seoul.

Earlier, the appointed party officials of the People Power Party announced in a written notice under the name of Chief Spokesperson Yoo Sang-beom, stating, “All appointed party officials will resign for the party’s stability and better development.” The appointed party officials appointed by the party leader include the chairman of the Policy Committee, secretary-general, deputy chiefs of strategic planning and organization, chief spokesperson, head of the Yeouido Research Institute, and nominated supreme council members.

On the same day, Hong Joon-pyo, mayor of Daegu, pointed out, “The commander takes responsibility for defeat,” while former leader Lee Jun-seok left a comment of “?” on Kim’s Facebook post.

In response, Kim Jin-tae, governor of Gangwon Province, criticized Mayor Hong, saying, “When the party is in trouble, you should think about managing it. If you tell everyone to leave, who will manage it? It’s a bit embarrassing to see a senior party member making such moves.”

Kim is expected to appoint his successor over the weekend. The People Power Party plans to hold a party members’ meeting at the National Assembly on the holiday, the 15th, to discuss party reform measures. Reflecting the opinions from the meeting, Kim is reported to plan to appoint his successor as soon as possible.