Joo Cheolhyeon Resigns as Top Democratic Party Official... "Will Focus on Establishing a Democratic Government"

"Provincial Party Chairman to Focus on Organizational Restructuring and Key Roles"
"Yoon Making Absurd Excuses to Defy Constitutional Court Decision"
"A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity That Must Not Be Missed Again"

Assemblyman Joo Chulhyun.

Democratic Party lawmaker Ju Cheolhyeon (Yeosu-gap, Jeonnam) has resigned from his position as Supreme Council member. Regarding the background of his resignation, he stated, "As the chairman of the Jeonnam Provincial Party, I will devote myself to the establishment of a democratic government."

On May 31, Ju announced on Facebook, "As of today, I am resigning from my position as Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party," and pledged, "The Jeonnam Provincial Party, the heart of the Democratic Party, will take the lead and fight fiercely at the forefront of establishing a democratic government."

He also reflected, "Although my tenure as Supreme Council member since last September was not long, I was involved in significant events that will be recorded in constitutional history," and added, "I pledged to resolve numerous local issues, represent the voices of Honam, and take the lead in establishing a democratic government, but I look back to see if I met the expectations of the local residents."

He continued, "As soon as the December 3 martial law was declared, I rushed to the National Assembly, climbed over the wall, and, together with senior and fellow lawmakers, dramatically blocked Yoon Sukyeol's rebellion, leading to the impeachment and indictment of Yoon Sukyeol, the ringleader of the rebellion. That was the most rewarding moment." He then criticized, "Although Yoon Sukyeol has been indicted and the impeachment trial is proceeding normally, the People Power Party and forces sympathetic to the rebellion are shaking the foundation of the rule of law and are actively making absurd excuses to defy the Constitutional Court's decision."

He particularly emphasized, "Only a change of government to the Democratic Party can block the activities of the rebellion forces and revive the economy and people's livelihoods," and added, "During this Lunar New Year holiday, I confirmed the public sentiment that only the establishment of a democratic government in the imminent early presidential election can end the national crisis and chaos caused by the rebellion."

Ju stated, "After stepping down from the Supreme Council, I will focus on fulfilling my original role as chairman of the Jeonnam Provincial Party," and added, "I will prepare more diligently and act more vigorously so as not to repeat failure and pain. I ask for the unwavering support and encouragement of party members and the public."

Ju's resignation from the Supreme Council is analyzed as a preemptive move to strengthen organizational power in the Jeonnam region, a stronghold of the Democratic Party, in anticipation of an 'early presidential election.' There is also a view that he intends to focus on the next local elections.

In a phone call with this newspaper on the 1st, Ju explained, "If the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss comes out in February or March, the presidential election is expected to be held in April or May, so the intention is to reorganize the organization in advance," and added, "Since becoming the provincial party chairman, so many events have occurred?by-elections, the December 3 martial law, the impeachment crisis, and even the aircraft disaster?that there was no time to reorganize the Jeonnam region organization."

He continued, "If an early presidential election is held, Representative Lee Jaemyung will also have to resign as party leader, and as a nominated Supreme Council member, I will have to step down as well. In terms of timing, I am resigning about a month earlier."

Regarding speculation that his resignation is related to the next local elections, he dismissed it, saying, "That is nonsense. If I were to run in the election, I would also have to step down as provincial party chairman. It has nothing to do with the local elections, and it is a completely different matter."

Meanwhile, Ju stated, "My sole determination is that we must not fail to establish a new government. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has come, and we must not miss it or fail," and added, "The Jeonnam Provincial Party, together with local supporters, will step forward to do something meaningful."