The three candidates participated in a discussion hosted by first-term and re-elected lawmakers, where they shared their evaluations of the June 3 local elections and their visions for the party, while also responding to questions from lawmakers.
In their remarks, both Kim and Sung advocated for a shift in the party's direction, while Jung, who is aligned with the party establishment, stressed the need for unity. Kim stated, "I will make this a party that no longer hears the term 'pro-Yoon party' (referring to President Yoon Suk-yeol)." Sung added, "Now is not the time for factional battles between pro-Han (referring to Han Dong-hoon) and pro-Yoon groups; they need to disappear."
Jung remarked, "Restoring public trust in the party and uniting our fragmented strength is a historical task that the People Power Party and the floor leader must accomplish. The intense deliberation over whether to resign or stabilize the leadership should not lead to further division among us."
The candidates took a cautious stance regarding calls for Jang's resignation. After the discussion, Representative Park Sang-woong, a first-term lawmaker, told reporters that the candidates agreed on the need for a thoughtful approach to leadership change, stating, "We have decided not to make hasty demands that seem forced or urgent, but rather to reach a dignified decision over a longer period."
Park noted, "The decision regarding leadership resignation should be made by the highest committee, and it would not be appropriate for the newly elected floor leader to determine the direction, as it contradicts party rules and the political environment."
The cautious approach regarding Jang's potential resignation appears to be influenced by the ongoing issue of a shortage of ballots. He stated, "Isn't Jang's term ending in August next year? There has been no discussion about shortening his term. The nationwide unrest over the ballot shortage is not a simple issue, and we need to focus on correcting this rather than getting caught up in various power struggles within the party."
Representative Eom Tae-young, representing the re-elected lawmakers, explained, "Given the limitations on enforcing a leadership change, the common opinion among the candidates is to take time and pursue a dignified and rational method for leadership transition and party renewal."
Eom added that one candidate referenced the past case of former leader Lee Jun-seok, suggesting that while accountability for the party leadership is necessary, it is important to learn from that experience and proceed with caution regarding procedural matters.
The three candidates also agreed that ample time should be taken to assess Han Dong-hoon's potential entry into the party. Park stated, "None of the candidates expressed a desire to hastily demand Han's entry or create an environment for it. We believe it is best to take sufficient time to evaluate after he has adapted to the National Assembly over the next one to two years."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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