"Take Responsibility and Issue a Public Apology for Martial Law"
Also Proposes Accepting Han Ducksoo's 'Constitutional Amendment Roadmap'
Lee Junghyun, Co-Chairman of the People Power Party's Joint Election Countermeasures Committee, publicly urged the party on May 15 to recommend that former President Yoon Sukyeol voluntarily leave the party. He also proposed that the party take responsibility at the party level and issue a public apology to the nation regarding the 12·3 Martial Law.
At the Central Election Committee meeting of the People Power Party held at the National Assembly that day, Lee stated, "For the future of the party and the reconstruction of the conservative movement, I propose that we recommend to former President Yoon that he voluntarily leave the party by the end of today." He continued, "I also propose that the party take responsibility and issue an official apology to the people regarding the declaration of martial law, which 90% of the public perceives as a mistake."
Lee Junghyun, Co-Chairman of the People Power Party's Joint Election Countermeasures Committee, is delivering a speech at the Central Election Committee meeting and appointment ceremony held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on May 15, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
In addition, Lee demanded an official apology and the cancellation of disciplinary action against Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform Party and former chairman of the People Power Party. Lee said, "Candidate Lee is a figure who has led two nationwide elections to victory and has practiced reformist politics," and added, "Nevertheless, given that he was effectively expelled from the party, I propose that the acting chairman issue an official apology in his name, stating, 'We are sorry, we were wrong,' and that the emergency committee pass a resolution to cancel the disciplinary action and restore his status."
To Kim Yongtae, the nominee for acting chairman of the emergency committee, Lee requested, "During the presidential election period, remain at the party headquarters and demonstrate to the public every day your determination and concrete actions for a thorough and transformative reform of the party."
Lee also proposed accepting the constitutional amendment roadmap suggested by former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo. He said, "Candidate Kim should fully accept, without modification, the three-year term reduction constitutional amendment roadmap proposed by former Prime Minister Han as a public pledge," emphasizing, "A four-year, two-term presidential system is a demand of the people."
Lee further called for the inclusion of Honam, youth, and workers. He pointed out, "For 37 years, the People Power Party has politically neglected Honam and has failed to shed its cynical view of youth and workers," adding, "This has been a symbol of old politics and a factor that has hindered the party's status as a truly national party." Lee also urged that candidate Kim, if elected, promise to appoint a figure from Honam as a running mate in state affairs.
He also proposed a national overhaul pledge for advancing to a superpower and achieving national unity. Lee demanded, "Declare a vision to define regional extinction, low birthrate, and aging population as top-level national crises and to establish fundamental countermeasures."
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