Party Member Survey on Five Major Reform Proposals...
"Opinions Divided, Immediate Conclusion Difficult"
"Innovation Committee Formation... Not Stalling Reform Proposals, But a Process for Progress"
Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, announced on the 18th that the party would proceed with efforts to hold the national convention as early as possible, immediately following a two-day series of meetings with lawmakers grouped by number of terms. Regarding the party member survey on the "five major reform proposals" demanded by Kim Yongtae, chair of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, Song maintained a reserved stance, stating that opinions among lawmakers were divided.
After concluding meetings with lawmakers who have served three or more terms at the National Assembly on this day, Song told reporters, "Many lawmakers agreed on the need for an early national convention," and made the above statement.
Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending a meeting of lawmakers with four or more terms held at the National Assembly on the 18th. 2025.6.18 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Regarding the formation of the party's innovation committee, which has been a point of contention with Chair Kim, Song said, "There are many areas that require change and renewal in the process of operating the party and the parliamentary group, including the proposals put forth by Chair Kim," adding, "We agreed on the need to launch the innovation committee." The timing for forming the innovation committee will be decided by gathering consensus among lawmakers.
Previously, Song had stated that the party would discuss the implementation of the five major reform proposals suggested by Chair Kim after forming the innovation committee. However, Chair Kim has maintained that a party member survey on the reform proposals should take precedence.
Song also responded to Chair Kim's criticism that forming the innovation committee was an attempt to "stall the reform proposals." Song argued, "This is not about stalling, but rather a process to further refine, expand, and develop Chair Kim's earnest proposals for the party's renewal and change."
It appears that lawmakers have not reached a consensus regarding the party member survey on the five major reform proposals, which Chair Kim continues to demand. Song stated, "It has not been concluded that we will not conduct the party member survey," but added, "There are divided opinions among lawmakers; some believe it is inappropriate to conduct such a survey, while others think it might be worth trying at least once." He further remarked, "It is difficult to draw a conclusion immediately," effectively expressing a negative stance.
During the meeting of lawmakers with four or more terms, Representative Na Kyungwon told reporters that Chair Kim's proposal for a party-wide survey on the five major reform proposals was "undemocratic, as it is being announced unilaterally under the name of reform."
On the other hand, Representative Cho Kyungtae stated, "If the proposals meet public expectations, it is reasonable to accept them," adding, "There is a considerable number of senior lawmakers who share this sentiment." He further commented, "Whether our party can demonstrate renewal and change will be measured by how we accept and embrace the reform proposals."
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