Discord from the Start over the "Five Major Reform Proposals"
Discussion on Innovation at Senior Lawmakers' Meeting Today
Kim Yongtae, interim leader of the People Power Party, and Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, have failed to narrow their differences over the formation of the party's Innovation Committee. While Song has stated that he intends to form the Innovation Committee in order to discuss the implementation of the "five major reform proposals" put forward by Kim, Kim maintains that a party member opinion poll on the reform proposals must come first.
At the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly the previous day, Song said, "To achieve swift and bold renewal, I will push for the prompt formation of the Innovation Committee," and added, "The Innovation Committee will discuss structural reforms, including the five major reform proposals suggested by interim leader Kim, as well as comprehensive reforms of the party's overall system. We will prepare reform measures by gathering a wide range of opinions within the party." Song's plan is to form the Innovation Committee and discuss the five major reform proposals and other renewal measures presented by Kim.
Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th. 2025.6.17 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
As Song took a reserved stance on conducting a party member opinion poll, Kim expressed his opposition, saying, "Once my position is decided, the Innovation Committee will be handled by the next leadership, whether under an acting party leader or a new interim leadership. It is appropriate for that body to address the issue."
Kim is demanding that the five major reform proposals?including invalidating the party's official stance against impeachment and the internal audit over the controversy surrounding the attempt to replace the presidential candidate?be put to a party member opinion poll. He said, "I highly respect the floor leader's willingness to change the party," but also emphasized, "The party member opinion poll is a turning point for our party's renewal. There is no justification for rejecting the party member opinion poll," repeatedly urging that the poll be conducted.
According to Article 25 of the People Power Party's constitution, the authority to establish special committees such as the Innovation Committee lies with the party leader. Without Kim's cooperation, it will be difficult to launch the Innovation Committee before his term ends at the end of this month.
On this day, Song held a meeting with third-term and senior lawmakers with four or more terms to listen to internal opinions about the direction of reform. During the meeting with senior lawmakers, Na Kyungwon told reporters that Kim's proposal to conduct a party-wide opinion poll on the "five major reform proposals" was "undemocratic, as it is being announced unilaterally in the name of reform."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
