People Power Party Faces Renewed Innovation Disputes, Focus Shifts to Party Convention Likely on August 26

Four Named for Personnel Renewal Immediately Push Back
Old Guard and Reformists Also Disagree on Innovation Proposals
Party Convention Likely to Be Held on August 26
"Party Leader Must Take the Lead in Innovation"

The People Power Party is once again embroiled in internal strife over its innovation proposals, shifting attention to the party convention, which is now likely to be held on August 26. Within the party, there are growing calls to use the convention as a breakthrough rather than be bogged down by disputes over innovation proposals, as well as arguments that genuine reform should be pursued through the election of a new party leader.

According to political sources on July 17, the People Power Party is strongly considering holding its party convention in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on August 26. While this is about a week later than the previously discussed date of August 19, there is a prevailing sentiment that the convention should not be delayed beyond August. A member of the parliamentary leadership stated, "At the latest, the Emergency Response Committee will finalize the date by next week."

Yoon Heesook, Chair of the People Power Party Innovation Committee, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on July 17, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The leadership also maintains that the party convention must be held within August. Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader, said, "It's not that we can't finalize the schedule, but that we haven't done so yet," adding, "I can state clearly that it will not be pushed to September and will take place in August."

There is growing sentiment that the party must complete its leadership restructuring before the regular National Assembly session begins in September, and that the repeated internal conflicts over innovation proposals should be shifted to the context of the party convention. Some argue that, instead of the Innovation Committee, which has limited authority and role, an elected party leader should set the direction for reform.

On the previous day, Yoon Heesook, Chair of the Innovation Committee, sparked controversy by designating Song Eonseok, Na Kyungwon, Yoon Sanghyun, and Jang Donghyuk as the "first round of personnel renewal targets." On this day as well, Yoon reiterated the call for personnel reform on social media, stating, "The sacrifice and dedication of those who have led the party so far are desperately needed." Yoon also demanded that all lawmakers submit a written pledge to eradicate factional activities at the party members' meeting on July 20.

Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party (left), and Yoon Heesook, Innovation Committee Chairman, are talking at the emergency party members' meeting held at the National Assembly on July 9, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The individuals named as targets for renewal immediately pushed back. Song Eonseok rejected Yoon's criticism that he had "brought square forces into the party's inner circle," saying, "I do not agree at all," and emphasized, "The innovation proposal must go through final approval by the Emergency Response Committee," effectively signaling his refusal to accept it. Jang Donghyuk wrote on social media, "Those who need to clarify their positions are Kang Sunwoo, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, and Lee Jinsook, nominee for Minister of Education," adding, "Everything has been overshadowed by Yoon's misfire." Na Kyungwon also criticized, "Even the Innovation Committee is now labeling people as anti-reform and demanding that they clarify their positions. Every time such methods are repeated, the party only shrinks. The essence and direction of innovation itself need to be reformed."

Discontent is erupting both inside and outside the party. Following former Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kim Yongtae and former Innovation Committee Chairman Ahn Cheolsoo, Yoon's innovation proposal has also led to internal conflict, with many expressing fatigue. A senior lawmaker from the Yeongnam region said, "The Innovation Committee is mired in the past, only causing internal strife," and insisted, "Now is the time to unite our efforts in confronting the ruling party." Another junior lawmaker commented, "While I agree that reform is needed, suddenly bringing up the eradication of factional activities has muddied the essence. I expect that this week's party members' meeting will end inconclusively without any real decision."

Some believe that, beyond simply quelling conflict, the party leader must take the lead in discussions for the innovation proposal to gain traction. They argue that an elected authority should provide legitimacy and justification and set the party's direction. An opposition party official commented, "It is unrealistic for the Innovation Committee, which must obtain approval from the Emergency Response Committee, to designate the Emergency Response Committee Chairman as a target for renewal," adding, "It would be more desirable for party leadership contenders to compete over innovation proposals and for the party leader to implement them."