Yoon Heesook Takes Strong Stand Amidst Party Innovation and Factional Conflict
"All Lawmakers Must Submit Written Pledges to Prohibit Factional Activities"
Yoon Heesook, Chair of the Innovation Committee of the People Power Party, on the 16th demanded that lawmakers Na Kyungwon, Yoon Sanghyun, and Jang Donghyuk, as well as acting party leader and floor leader Song Eonseok, "clarify their positions themselves, as they are resisting a break with the past and pushing the party into a sea of impeachment."
She also called for all 107 People Power Party lawmakers to submit written pledges not to engage in factional activities. With internal factional conflicts intensifying over recent reform proposals, Yoon's move is being interpreted as a bold first step toward personnel renewal.
Yoon Heesook, Innovation Committee Chair of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference on reform measures including personnel renewal at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
At a press conference held that afternoon at the People Power Party's central office in Yeouido, Seoul, Yoon stated, "What the public and party members want most from the People Power Party right now is for us to diligently reform and present a new image." She continued, "Last Sunday, I urged those responsible for bringing the party to its current state to apologize. I believe that is the first step toward breaking with the past and starting anew."
Yoon went on to say, "However, over the three days since last Sunday, not a single person has apologized. Instead, there have been claims that there is no need to apologize or to carry out personnel renewal, outright denying the necessity of a break with the past and even criticizing it." She added, "Some have even betrayed the party members' desire for a clean break with former President Yoon Sukyeol, and instead have shown themselves drawing closer to him."
She continued, "What is equally despairing over the past three days is that factional infighting continues unabated even in this situation. Three years ago, the pro-Yoon faction emerged and monopolized party decision-making, and recently, a so-called pro-Han faction has appeared, openly operating under the name 'Under 73.'"
Yoon pointed out, "It was only two months ago that we amended the party constitution to prohibit factionalism, fearing that the party would collapse due to self-serving politics that prioritize factional interests over the party's survival. Yet, illegal factional groups such as 'Under 73' and 'Under Jjinyoon,' which are banned by the party constitution, are still being mentioned in the media."
She stressed, "Innovation is about holding the past accountable, but more importantly, it is about reflecting on the past to correct the present. Yet, even now, while claiming to pursue innovation, the party is repeating past mistakes and disappointing party members who desperately hope for its revival. This is an egregious act that is strangling the already ailing party."
In addition to calling for Na Kyungwon, Yoon Sanghyun, Jang Donghyuk, and acting emergency committee chair and floor leader Song Eonseok to clarify their positions, Yoon demanded, "All lawmakers must submit written pledges to the public vowing not to engage in factional activities."
Yoon added, "It is said that a general meeting of lawmakers will be held on the 20th. At that meeting, all 107 lawmakers must resolve to eradicate factional activities, pledge not to foment division within the party, and submit their written pledges."
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