Hwang Woo-yeo "Han Dong-hoon’s Return? Cannot Link to Specific Person or Party Convention"

"Changes to Jeondae Rules, Both Sides Have Valid Points"

Hwang Woo-yeo, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, addressed the delay in the party convention schedule, which was later than initially expected, stating, "We are absolutely not postponing the party convention," and added, "We cannot link the issue of a specific individual with the party convention to carry out our work." This was a direct rebuttal to interpretations suggesting that the delay in the party convention was related to the return of former Emergency Response Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon.

On the 8th, during YTN Radio's 'News Fighting with Bae Seung-hee,' Chairman Hwang said, "It is difficult to set a fixed date for the party convention because the executive branch needs to prepare," and lamented, "Delays can happen while working, but questions like 'Why was it delayed?' and 'What is the intention behind the delay?' keep arising." He explained, "In reality, it could be in early or mid-July," and added, "At this point, it seems likely that it will physically take more time."

Hwang Woo-yeo, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. [Image source=Yonhap News]

He also argued, "Since the opposition party is holding their party convention in August, it is not late for our party to hold the convention before August." He elaborated, "According to the party constitution and regulations, it takes 38 days to meet the requirements to hold a party convention," and said, "If we want to change the party convention rules, we need to convene the national committee to discuss and gather opinions, but if we set the deadline at the end of June, we might not be able to keep that promise."

Regarding demands to change the party convention rules to '100% party member voting' following the party's defeat in the April 10 general election and the ensuing calls for reform within the party, he stated, "Changing the party convention rules involves amending the party constitution and regulations, which requires certain conditions," and emphasized, "The Emergency Response Committee is an executive body, so if the conditions are met, it executes; if not, it concludes." Chairman Hwang mentioned that he recently met with the first pastoral meeting of the party's 30s and 40s group in the metropolitan area, saying, "They requested a change to the party convention rules, and I listened carefully," and added, "After the Emergency Response Committee is formed, we will hold official meetings to listen to, gather, and collect opinions."

He said, "Both sides of the debate on the party convention rules have theoretical and political philosophical grounds, so it is difficult to definitively say which side is right or wrong." He continued, "From the standpoint that only 100% party member voting should be done, it is seen as a way to expand and strengthen the party," and explained, "However, there are also 'Dangwoo'?supporters who back the conservative base and actively participate but find it difficult to join the party or become responsible party members?so there is a logic to conduct opinion polls instead of 100% party member voting." Chairman Hwang emphasized, "This is absolutely not a discussion of 'you are right and I am correct,'" and pointed out, "It is a discussion about what kind of leadership the party should have when preparing the party system for the future path of our party, as well as for the upcoming local elections, presidential election, and by-elections."