People Power Party Elects Kwon Seong-dong as New Floor Leader: "Will Complete Presidential Election Preparations and Step Down"

Assemblyman Jaeseok wins 72 out of 106 votes

On the 12th, the People Power Party elected Kwon Seong-dong, a five-term pro-Yoon faction lawmaker from Gangwon Gangneung, as the new floor leader, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of former floor leader Choo Kyung-ho.

In the floor leader election held at the National Assembly that morning, Kwon received a majority of 72 votes, defeating Kim Tae-ho, a four-term lawmaker from Gyeongnam Yangsan-eul, who received 34 votes. Out of 108 party members, 106 participated in the vote.

A former prosecutor, Floor Leader Kwon is considered a key figure in the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction, having helped President Yoon Seok-yeol enter politics and win the presidential election, and serving as the first floor leader since the administration's launch.

Upon his election, the new floor leader Kwon said, "The responsibility feels heavy. I thank the members for highly evaluating my legislative activities so far," and urged, "Now, we really must become one."

He continued, "We must not repeat the behaviors seen at the beginning of the floor leader election," adding, "To become one, we need the strength and generosity to listen to each other's opinions until the end. Also, we must criticize in a healthy manner according to democratic procedures."

It appears he was criticizing the incident when, at the start of the floor leader election members' meeting, Representative Han Dong-hoon mentioned the party's stance supporting impeachment of President Yoon, and the urgent convening of the Ethics Committee for withdrawal and expulsion, which led members to shout "Han Dong-hoon resign" and "Step down."

Floor Leader Kwon said, "Our party has many people with great insight, ability, and vision. I will borrow their wisdom," and added, "Although this is a grave and severe time, I believe that if we unite and approach the people, their hearts will gradually open."

He also reiterated his resignation timing as floor leader, stating, "After the party reorganizes during this difficult period and completes preparations for the possible upcoming presidential election, I will step down," and requested, "Until then, please continue to offer sharp criticism."

After the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 2nd, Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, is leaving while talking with Representative Kwon Seong-dong. Photo by Kim Hyun-min