"I Will Fulfill My Responsibility
for Party Renewal and Conservative Reconstruction"
Yoon Sanghyun, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, has apologized for the controversy over the party's alleged shift to the far right, which spread after Jeon Hangil, who advocates for "Yoon Again," attended a recent forum he hosted. However, he made it clear that he opposes demands from some quarters to sever ties with either Jeon or former President Yoon Sukyeol.
On the 14th, at the National Assembly Museum in Yeouido, Seoul, during the emergency debate titled "What Should We Do? For a Free Republic Reset Korea," Yoon Sanghyun, a member of the People Power Party, is speaking. Photo by Yonhap News
At a press conference held at the National Assembly that morning, Yoon stated, "I sincerely apologize for the unnecessary confusion and misunderstanding caused to the party leadership, fellow lawmakers, and all attendees, as the 'Free Republic, Reset Korea' forum I held a few days ago was mistaken for a 'Yoon Again' event."
He continued, "The forum was a purely policy-oriented discussion designed to consider how to set our party back on the right track in times of crisis, and to seek a new conservative path under the spirit of free republicanism. The intent was to gather the aspirations of citizens who wish to revive the values of freedom, the rule of law, and community spirit."
He added, "Jeon Hangil, who was present as a guest, was asked on the spot to give a brief congratulatory remark in the spirit of goodwill, and he expressed his personal views, which were unrelated to the purpose of the event. There have been misinterpretations that I 'set the stage for him' or 'invited him as a speaker,' but these are excessive interpretations."
Nevertheless, Yoon bowed his head and said, "Regardless of the reason, I apologize for causing such unnecessary misunderstanding."
Yoon stated, "Having gone through various recent incidents, I have once again realized that we must move away from subtractive politics, which excludes and stigmatizes others simply because of differences in opinion, and instead embrace additive politics that values diversity. This is the challenge facing the People Power Party and the way for us to reconnect with the people."
He added, "From now on, I will do my utmost to fulfill my role and responsibility for the party's renewal and the reconstruction of conservatism. If I can be even a small spark to help the People Power Party revive and regain the trust of the people, I will not hesitate to take on any role or make any sacrifice."
Yoon expressed a negative view regarding calls for Jeon, who joined the party last month, to be expelled or for a personnel overhaul.
Speaking with reporters, he said, "Is it not the spirit of a free republic to listen to and debate the opinions of someone who has joined the party? I am aware of the sentiment within the party that we should sever ties with Jeon or former President Yoon, but I am opposed to that."
He continued, "Innovation starts with the attitude of self-reflection and taking responsibility. Telling someone else to 'clear out first' is not innovation. How can innovation be achieved by cutting someone off and making them a scapegoat?"
Meanwhile, regarding the special prosecutor's investigation into allegations related to Kim Keonhee, Yoon said, "I will respond responsibly to the special prosecutor's investigation. As a five-term lawmaker, I will not avoid any matter and will stand before the public with confidence and composure."
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