Lee Junseok Runs Solely for Reform New Party Leader as Party Convention Race Begins

Lee Junseok, a lawmaker from the Reform New Party, has registered as the sole candidate in the party's leadership election.

Reform New Party lawmaker Lee Junseok is attending the full meeting of the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 7th, reviewing documents. Photo by Yonhap News

On July 10, the Reform New Party announced the candidates for the party leader and Supreme Council member elections and officially began the party convention election schedule.

With only Lee running for party leader, the party plans to determine whether he will be elected through a yes-or-no vote.

The election will be conducted with 70% of the results coming from party member votes and 30% from a public opinion poll. The final results will be announced at the party convention to be held on July 27 at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Voting rights are granted to party members who have paid party dues at least once within one year as of July 20.

Chun Haram, the party's floor leader and acting party leader, told reporters that day, "For now, candidate Lee Junseok is very popular," and added, "Within the Reform New Party, since Lee is running, many people seem to think there is no need to spend a large deposit to challenge him."

He continued, "Lee has long made it clear that he will take responsibility and not shy away from playing a role in the local elections," and explained, "I hope that Lee, who has high name recognition and influence, will successfully lead the Reform New Party in the local elections."

Seven candidates have registered for the Supreme Council election, in which three members will be selected. The candidates are: Lee Yuwon, head of the Dongjak-eul district party committee in Seoul; Kim Jeongcheol, head of the party's legal advisory committee; Gong Pilseong, head of public communication for the presidential election AI strategy team; Kim Seongyeol, special advisor to the party leader; Lee Hyesuk, head of the Gwanak-gap district party committee in Seoul; Joo Isaac, member of the Seodaemun District Council; and Lee Seongjin, acting head of the South Chungcheong Provincial Party.