Despite Proposing 'Five Key Reform Measures,' Term Ends Without Results
Kim: "I Will Rally Reform-Minded Lawmakers... Not Considering Running for Party Leader"
Kim Yongtae, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stepped down on June 30 after completing his term. Despite pledging reform during his roughly 50-day tenure, Kim was blocked by resistance from the party's mainstream factions. Until the very end, he called for the dismantling of entrenched vested interests.
On this day, Kim held a farewell press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "As we prepare for the party convention, it is also time to strengthen the power of a new conservatism," and added, "We must be reborn through fundamental reflection and a new determination."
Kim Yongtae, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is holding a farewell press conference at the National Assembly on June 30, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Kim expressed strong dissatisfaction toward the party's mainstream factions who opposed his reform proposals. He had put forward five key reform measures, including nullifying the party's official stance against the impeachment of the president. However, except for holding the party convention before September, these proposals were thwarted by opposition from mainstream factions such as the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol) group. Kim remarked, "I believe the party's reform score is zero," and pointed out, "If there is a structure of vested interests that has been entrenched in the party for a long time, and if those vested interests fundamentally block change, then the People Power Party has no future." He continued, "Maintaining vested interests is not realistic now that we are in the opposition," and asserted, "The dissolution of vested interests is in line with reason and common sense."
Kim also voiced skepticism about the Innovation Committee proposed by Floor Leader Song Eonseok. He stated, "Looking at the precedents of past innovation committees, it is hard to say they achieved successful outcomes," and criticized, "It is complacent to believe that something can be accomplished simply through an innovation committee." He added, "If we must hold the party convention in the summer, can we properly form a new innovation committee?" and expressed concern that "the momentum for reform may weaken by August."
Nevertheless, he pledged to continue his efforts for conservative reconstruction. Kim presented six paths for rebuilding conservatism, including realizing constitutional values and practicing genuine popular sovereignty, and vowed, "I will return to my role as a rank-and-file member of the National Assembly and work to gather the reform will of my fellow and senior lawmakers." Regarding speculation about running for party leader, he drew a clear line, saying, "I do not believe my role is to run in the party convention." However, he indicated he would support any candidate who shares his vision for reform.
As the core competency required of the new party leader, Kim cited "leadership capable of crossing the river of impeachment." He expressed concern that if the party fails to overcome the impeachment issue, it will once again be divided into pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions. Kim emphasized, "When the new leadership is formed, it is important to see whether they are truly determined to break from the previous administration and to push forward with reform."
The People Power Party will convene a National Committee meeting on July 1 to form a new Emergency Response Committee. With a high likelihood that the party convention will be held in August, the new committee is expected to serve as a "caretaker" body to oversee preparations. It is highly likely that Floor Leader Song will concurrently serve as the committee chairman, as the short term and limited authority make appointments challenging. Once the new Emergency Response Committee is launched, the Innovation Committee promised by Song is also expected to be established as an internal party organization to continue discussions on reform. However, there are doubts as to whether the Innovation Committee will play a significant role, given that Song himself has taken a lukewarm stance toward bold changes.
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