Song Unseok, Named as a 'Reform Target', Says "Reform Plan Comes from Sincere Desire for the Party"

Heesook Yoon Announces First Reform Targets and Demands Their Stance
Song Unseok Clarifies: "I Will Not Attend Events Hosted by Yoon Sanghyun"

Song Unseok, the Emergency Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 16th regarding the personnel reform plan proposed by the party's Innovation Committee, "I believe it comes from a sincere desire to strengthen and reform the party."

Speaking with reporters at the National Assembly that day, Song said about the first personnel reform list announced by Chairperson Yoon, "I did not hear it directly, so I do not know exactly what was said or the intention behind it." Earlier, Heesook Yoon, Chairperson of the Innovation Committee, held a press briefing at the party headquarters and pressured Song, as well as lawmakers Na Kyungwon, Yoon Sanghyun, and Jang Donghyuk, to clarify their positions.

Song Unseok, the Emergency Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, expressed his position on the personnel reform plan by the Innovation Committee, which demanded decisions on the positions of himself as well as lawmakers Na Kyungwon, Yoon Sanghyun, and Jang Donghyuk, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News

When asked whether there was discord with Chairperson Yoon, Song responded, "Those who view our party unfavorably tend to misinterpret the situation and frame it as if there is conflict between the Innovation Committee Chairperson and the Emergency Committee Chairman or the party leadership."

He continued, "With the belief that the party needs reform, we are working together with party officials to create a reform plan that as many people as possible can agree with," adding, "We are currently in the process of gathering the party's consensus and collecting opinions on the measures announced by the Innovation Committee so far."

Regarding Chairperson Yoon's criticism that it was "an extremely egregious act against the party" for lawmakers Yoon Sanghyun and Jang Donghyuk to invite Han Gil Jeon, a former Korean history lecturer known for leading opposition to the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol, to a forum they hosted, and for Song to attend the event, Song firmly stated, "I do not agree at all." He further explained, "As Floor Leader, I believe it is my basic duty to attend and offer congratulations, encouragement, and congratulatory remarks when party lawmakers hold events or seminars."

Song added, "I have now said that I will no longer attend events organized and hosted by lawmaker Yoon Sanghyun," emphasizing, "I regret that misunderstandings have arisen, and the party has no direct connection whatsoever to this event." He also said, "(The party) is keeping its distance from street politics and continuing its efforts toward reform," and reiterated, "I once again promise the public that we will pursue a path of painful but necessary reform."