Kwon: "Sorry for Failing to Meet Expectations"
To the Democratic Party: "People's Livelihood Bills Must Come First"
Calls for Change in Party Stance on the Three Major Special Prosecutor Bills
Kwon Seongdong, floor leader of the People Power Party, announced on June 5 that he would resign from his position to take responsibility for the party's defeat in the 21st presidential election.
During his opening remarks at the People Power Party's general assembly of lawmakers held at the National Assembly that morning, Kwon stated, "For the reconstruction of conservatism, we must start anew from a blank slate. I will begin by stepping down from my position as floor leader." The general assembly was convened to discuss measures to address the aftermath of the presidential election defeat, as well as to respond to the Democratic Party of Korea's announced plan to push through three major special prosecutor bills (related to insurrection, Kim Keonhee, and Chae Sangbyeong).
Kwon first addressed the defeat in the presidential election, saying, "I humbly accept the stern rebuke delivered by the people. I deeply thank everyone who supported and encouraged Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and I sincerely apologize for failing to meet your expectations."
He continued, "The People Power Party has faced a comprehensive judgment as the ruling party, not only for the 12·3 Martial Law and the impeachment of the president, but also for the failures of the past three years under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration," adding, "In particular, I painfully accept the criticism that intensified factional strife and division within the party, which deepened after the crushing defeat in the 22nd general election, undermined the unity of our supporters as one team."
Regarding his six-month tenure as floor leader after being elected to the position on December 12 last year, immediately following the martial law, he said, "When I took on the role of floor leader, I said it felt like drinking from a poisoned chalice. I am a five-term lawmaker and had already served as floor leader once before. However, as the ruling party at the time, someone had to step up to address the national crisis and the party's turmoil, so I took on the responsibility again."
He added, "I endured ongoing provocations, agitation, and even personal insults from some within the party in order to defend the 100 seats needed to exercise the right to request reconsideration and block the reckless passage of harmful laws by the massive opposition party; to prevent the party from being swept away by the excessive energy of street protests; and to prevent division and maintain unity within the party ahead of the presidential election."
His remarks are interpreted as an explanation of his position regarding the criticism he received from the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk Yeol) faction and supporters of former President Yoon Suk Yeol during the impeachment crisis, as well as the criticism from Kim Moonsoo and many party lawmakers regarding the attempt to replace the presidential candidate during the election period.
He particularly pointed out, "Many people, both among the public and party members, are not only disappointed but also angry at the behavior of standing idly by even in an election that would determine the fate of the nation, the acts of division, wielding the Democratic Party's logic?which is used to slander the People Power Party for internal power struggles?like a sword, and even treating their praise as a badge of honor in a self-destructive political manner."
He also criticized the Democratic Party of Korea, which became the ruling party with the inauguration of President Lee Jaemyung the previous day, for its announcement to handle the Prosecutor Disciplinary Act and the three major special prosecutor bills (insurrection, Kim Keonhee, Chae Sangbyeong) at the plenary session that day.
Kwon said, "On the very first day of the new administration yesterday, the Democratic Party unilaterally passed the 'Supreme Court Justice Expansion Act' in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee subcommittee to tame the judiciary, and today, they are trying to push through the 'Prosecutor Disciplinary Act amendment' and the 'three major special prosecutor bills' at the first plenary session. Do you really think pushing through a slew of special prosecutor bills unrelated to people's livelihoods, or a politically retaliatory Prosecutor Disciplinary Act, as the first bills to mark the ruling party's return, will help the new administration's launch and success? Are these bills really more urgent than any people's livelihood bill?" he asked.
He added, "Looking back, the first day of a president's term is when they have the most power. When the administration is at its strongest, it should introduce meaningful policies and bills that broadly benefit the people. But seeing today's plenary session agenda, I cannot help but feel regret, wondering, 'Did these really have to be the first bills of the new administration?'"
Kwon left the assembly hall immediately after finishing his opening remarks. When reporters outside the hall asked if he would not listen to the opinions of lawmakers, he replied, "Wouldn't it be more natural for them to debate if I'm not there?" When asked about the timing of his resignation, he said, "During the presidential election, someone had to take responsibility if we lost, so as a senior member of the party, I wanted to set an example by taking responsibility. I had resolved long ago to step down if we were defeated."
During the assembly, there were calls for the current leadership to resign en masse, for the election of a new floor leader, and for preparations for an early party convention. Cho Kyungtae, the longest-serving lawmaker in the People Power Party, left the assembly hall during the meeting and told reporters, "We need to elect a new floor leader as soon as possible and hold an early party convention to form a new leadership within one or two months," mentioning the need for the leadership to step down. He emphasized, "The birth of a new leadership that can decisively clear away the unconstitutional and illegal 12·3 Martial Law is our chance to at least partially accept the will of the people."
He also called for a significant shift in the party's stance on the three major special prosecutor bills. Cho said, "About twenty lawmakers opposed adopting the party line in favor of the bills," adding, "I feel deeply sorry to the people that our party has failed to show through real action?not just words?that the 12·3 Martial Law was wrong."
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