Conflict over Reform New Party Proportional List... Cheon Ha-ram Says "Yang Hyang-ja Made Unreasonable Demands"

"Talent Requested by Yang Hyang-ja Is Already Included"

Yang Hyang-ja, floor leader of the Reform New Party, is reportedly considering leaving the party in protest against the proportional representation candidate list. Meanwhile, former Reform New Party Supreme Council member Cheon Ha-ram stated, "Key party members find it difficult to accept Floor Leader Yang's demands."

On the 21st, Cheon appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "We included a bioengineer in the proportional representation list based on Floor Leader Yang Hyang-ja's opinion," adding, "Everyone is confused about why she is suddenly acting this way." He explained that the advanced science and technology talent Yang refers to is already included in the proportional list. "From what I found out, Professor Moon Ji-sook of Cha Hospital University was strongly recommended by Lee Shin-du from Floor Leader Yang's side to the nomination committee," he said.

Cheon Haram, former Supreme Council Member of the Reform New Party. Photo by Yonhap News

Cheon also revealed that adjusting the order of proportional representation candidates is difficult. He said, "In the Reform New Party, if the Supreme Council rejects something, it has to go back to the nomination committee," adding, "But since the proportional candidate registration must be done tomorrow, most leadership members believe it is physically impossible to convene the Supreme Council again to reject this, send it back to the nomination committee, and then get approval from the Supreme Council."

Regarding the atmosphere in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, where Reform New Party leader Lee Jun-seok is running, Cheon said, "The actual field atmosphere is reportedly very good," and added, "When Leader Lee greets people on the road, traffic reportedly gets congested."

However, according to a survey conducted by Hangil Research commissioned by Gyeongin Broadcasting and Incheon Ilbo from the 15th to 16th targeting 503 men and women aged 18 or older residing in Hwaseong (Districts 1 and 2), Lee's approval rating was 23%, trailing behind Gong Young-woon, the Democratic Party candidate, who had 46%, placing Lee second. On this, Cheon said, "Compared to the party's support rate, (Leader Lee) has raised his personal rating tremendously," adding, "We thought if the first poll result exceeded about 15%, it would be worth trying, and 20% would be a big success. Leader Lee is excellent in election campaigns and will lead upcoming TV debates, so if the current trend continues, I believe Leader Lee can definitely turn the tables."

Meanwhile, the poll was conducted using a wireless virtual number automated response method. The response rate was 6.3%, and the sampling error was ±4.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. More detailed information can be found on the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.