Elders on Defeat in National Assembly Election: "Cause of Loss, President's Closed-mindedness and Party's Incompetence"

Senior figures in the conservative camp pointed to President Yoon Suk-yeol's lack of communication and the party's incompetence as the causes of the People Power Party's crushing defeat in the general election.

Jeong Eehwa, Chairman of the Standing Advisory Group of the People Power Party, is speaking at a meeting of the Standing Advisory Group held on the 17th at a Chinese restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the afternoon of the 17th, the People Power Party held a meeting of its standing advisory council at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul. At the meeting, Chung Eui-hwa, chairman of the People Power Party's standing advisory council, said, "The cause of this defeat is the public's judgment on the president's lack of communication and the party's incompetence," adding, "I think President Yoon's dogmatic attitude, which emerged during the conflict between doctors and the government, negatively affected voters' sentiments in the final stages."

Chairman Chung urged President Yoon to make changes. He pointed out, "Many of our supporters have grown increasingly worried about losing power," and added, "The president must change decisively, and our party must become competent." Furthermore, he said, "It would be good if the prime minister is an economic expert who can effectively handle people's livelihoods, and someone balanced who does not hesitate to speak frankly to the president," and requested, "I ask President Yoon to now open up to those around him and create an atmosphere where candid conversations can be held freely, beyond just open discussions with the media."

He called for criticism of President Yoon, saying the ruling party was lethargic. Chairman Chung said, "Our party must no longer be a party that only looks to the president," and added, "I hope the party will speak frankly when necessary and engage in politics that considers the people." He continued, "Although we have fewer seats, I think we should transform into a party that can always engage in dialogue and cooperation with the opposition, which holds an absolute majority," and suggested, "It might be good for the leadership, including floor leader Yoon Jae-ok of the People Power Party, to encourage the president to meet with the opposition leader."

He supported the decision to establish a 'management-type' emergency response committee and hold an early party convention. Yoo Jun-sang, a standing advisor of the People Power Party, said, "It seems very appropriate to take early steps to stabilize the party," and added, "I ask for a new leadership that can gain the public's trust by holding an early party convention." He also advised, "With the rapid changes in artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, I publicly propose that a must-pass bill be introduced. It would be good to pass a basic AI law," and said, "If such a basic law is enacted, the public will think, 'The People Power Party is quite prepared.'"