Four People Power Party Leadership Candidates Vow to Step Down if They Lose Next Year's Local Elections

All Candidates Say "No" to Changing the Party Name
Leadership Hopefuls Pledge to Step Down If Defeated in Local Elections

Kim Moonsoo, Jang Donghyuk, Cho Kyungtae, and Ahn Cheolsoo, candidates running for the People Power Party leadership, announced on the 19th that if they are elected as party leader but lose to the Democratic Party of Korea in the local elections next June, they will step down from the party leadership.

Candidates running for the People Power Party leadership election are cheering before the 3rd television debate of the 6th party convention held at the TV Chosun studio in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the same day, during the OX segment on current political issues at the third TV debate for the People Power Party leadership candidates, held at the TV Chosun studio in Jung-gu, Seoul, all four candidates-Kim Moonsoo, Jang Donghyuk, Cho Kyungtae, and Ahn Cheolsoo-held up an "O" sign in response to the question, "Will you resign from the party leadership if you lose next year's local elections?" indicating their willingness to step down.

Cho Kyungtae stated, "If we lose next year's local elections, I believe our party will disappear or collapse. That is how important this party convention is." He added, "If we fail to win public support, next year's local elections are already lost. Only Cho Kyungtae, who has the greatest potential for centrist expansion, can secure victory in next year's local elections."

Kim Moonsoo said, "In next year's local elections, we will nominate over 4,100 public officials, and we will be judged based on those results. If we lose, it is only right for the party leader to take responsibility for nominations, elections, and party management. Politics is about being accountable for the results."

When asked, "Should you reach out to Jeong Cheongrae, the Democratic Party leader who says he only shakes hands with people?" Ahn Cheolsoo and Cho Kyungtae held up an "O" sign, while Kim Moonsoo and Jang Donghyuk held up an "X" sign.

Ahn Cheolsoo said, "Although Representative Jeong Cheongrae claims he only shakes hands with people, I consider myself an even better person than him. In the National Assembly, the ruling and opposition parties must cooperate. For that reason, I will reach out my hand."

On the other hand, Jang Donghyuk stated, "Whether you reach out your hand or not is merely a formality. To truly cooperate with the Democratic Party, which is a major ruling party, we must become stronger. Only by fighting properly, persuading the public, and gaining the people's support can true cooperation be achieved."

In response to the question, "Should the People Power Party change its name to shed the 'rebellion party' label?" all four candidates held up an "X" sign.

Kim Moonsoo said, "Since I joined the party, the name has changed seven times, but nothing has changed just by changing the name. What needs to change are the institutions, mindset, organization, education, and policies. Simply changing the name is not genuine politics, but a deception."

Ahn Cheolsoo stated, "Changing only the name does not change the party's image. If we transform internally, properly reflect public sentiment, and become a competent party that truly serves the people, we can become a good party without changing the name."