'Sexual Misconduct Scandal' Party for National Innovation Leadership Resigns... Transition to Emergency Committee System

Kim Seonmin and Party Leadership Resign
"Inadequate Response... Apologies to Victims"
Will Cho Kuk's Return Be Accelerated?

The leadership of the Party for National Innovation, including Acting Party Leader Kim Seonmin, has collectively resigned, taking responsibility for the sexual misconduct case within the party. As a result, the Party for National Innovation will transition to an emergency leadership committee system, and there is speculation that the head of the Innovation Policy Research Institute, Cho, may be appointed as the chairperson of the emergency committee.

At an emergency press conference held at the National Assembly on September 7, Acting Party Leader Kim announced, "All of the top committee members, including myself, will step down to ensure strict punishment for the perpetrator and full recovery for the victim, without any leniency." He added, "Due to our poor handling of the situation, we lost our comrades," and bowed his head, saying, "I sincerely apologize once again to the victims."

Seonmin Kim, Acting Party Leader of the Party for National Innovation, is speaking about the party's position regarding the sexual misconduct case within the party at a press briefing on current issues held at the National Assembly on September 5, 2025. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

He went on to say, "As a newly established party, the Party for National Innovation was inadequate. Without a proper response team or manual, we wasted time in confusion," and admitted, "We should not have let this happen. The responsibility is entirely mine." He also stated, "As acting party leader, I prioritized procedures and principles above all else, and failed to go beyond legal processes to address the emotional wounds. I should have taken bolder action, but I did not. I sincerely apologize again." He further added, "I humbly ask for forgiveness from the party members who have been deeply hurt and from the people who have supported us."

Earlier that day, Hwang Hyunseon, Secretary-General of the Party for National Innovation, also announced his resignation at a press conference, saying, "I cannot hide my deep sorrow over the series of incidents in the party, including the sexual misconduct case, and I offer my apologies and condolences." Secretary-General Hwang stated, "I did my best for the party's self-reliance, but ultimately caused confusion within the party, and I apologize to all party members and the public." He emphasized, "I would like to reiterate that the party leadership did not intentionally delay the investigation process or actions to cover up the incident." He continued, "I apologize to Director Cho, who found himself at the center of party turmoil immediately after being released from prison due to my shortcomings, and to the many supporters who had high expectations for him. Please stop targeting Director Cho, who continues to endure ongoing suffering." To the party staff, he said, "I am sorry that I could not be an umbrella for the staff who suffered through relentless work, underwent both internal and external investigations, and were still criticized as perpetrators even after being cleared of charges."

Lee Gyuwon, Deputy Secretary-General, who was criticized for making secondary victim-blaming remarks during a YouTube broadcast, also resigned that day. In addition, the Party for National Innovation announced that all those involved in the karaoke incident, where the sexual misconduct reportedly occurred at the end of last year, have been temporarily suspended from party duties.

With the collective resignation of the leadership and the transition to an emergency committee system, the Party for National Innovation plans to convene a party affairs committee meeting soon. Within the party, there is ongoing discussion about whether Director Cho or an external figure should serve as the chairperson of the emergency committee. In Director Cho's case, he had been expected to return as party leader at the national convention in November, but if he assumes the chairperson role now, his return could be expedited.

The Party for National Innovation is also planning to hold an emergency general assembly to discuss party management under the emergency committee system. Previously, former spokesperson Kang Mijeong raised concerns about the party's passive response to the sexual misconduct case and the disadvantages faced by the victims, and she left the party on September 4.

As the situation escalated following Kang's departure, criticism and calls for accountability have also been directed at Director Cho, who was recently released from prison. Director Cho has apologized for the sexual misconduct case, but stated that he could not have been involved in party affairs at the time of the incident as he was incarcerated.

Meanwhile, Choi Kangwook, head of the Education and Training Institute of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was embroiled in controversy for making secondary victim-blaming remarks regarding the sexual misconduct case in the Party for National Innovation, also resigned on this day.