Justice Party's Ryu Hojung Wants to Stay... Justice Party Says "Organize Party Membership by the 16th"

Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who leads the third zone group 'Saeroun Seontaek' (New Choice), and Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker who declared she would create a new party together with them, said she would remain in the Justice Party to persuade others to join the new party. In response, Kim Jun-woo, the Justice Party Emergency Committee Chairman, said, "I hope you will neatly complete the resignation from the proportional representation National Assembly membership and party affiliation arrangements by December 16."

On the 8th, Kim, through his social media (SNS), said, "I am very sorry to report that the No. 1 proportional representation lawmaker of the Justice Party is leaving the party to establish another party."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The youth opinion group within the Justice Party led by Ryu, called 'Se Samche Gwonryeok' (Third Power), announced on the morning of the same day that they would form a new party together with the 'Saeroun Seontaek' founding committee established by former lawmaker Geum. At a press conference, Ryu told reporters, "I will not leave," adding, "There is still a party-wide vote left, so the party's general election policy has not yet been finalized. There is room to change the decision." However, Chairman Kim urged a swift resolution.

Kim said, "Since the formation of the Justice Party Emergency Committee, we conducted a party member survey regarding the coalition target for the new election alliance party. The survey confirmed that the majority held negative opinions about pursuing an election alliance party with 'Saeroun Seontaek.' The Justice Party Emergency Committee, respecting the members' opinions, decided to exclude 'Saeroun Seontaek' from the value-based election alliance party pursuit target."

He stated that Ryu "declared the formation of a new party differing from the Justice Party and its party policy," and added, "Going forward, the Justice Party will steadfastly promote a value-centered election alliance new party with labor, climate political forces, progressive parties, and regional parties, and will proudly advance as a progressive party that will shape the future of Korean politics not only for the 22nd general election but beyond."