Candidates for the People Power Party's National Assembly leadership election, Kim Do-eup (from left), Seong Il-jong, and Jeong Jeom-sik, pose for a commemorative photo during a candidate forum at the National Assembly on June 10. [Photo=Yonhap News]
During a candidate forum held on June 10, the three contenders for the People Power Party's National Assembly leadership—Kim Do-eup, Jeong Jeom-sik, and Seong Il-jong—expressed a unified call for 'conservative rebuilding.' However, they proposed different approaches: Kim emphasized change, Jeong focused on unity, and Seong highlighted the need for struggle.
The People Power Party convened a general meeting on June 10 to initiate the selection of its next National Assembly leader. The candidate forum addressed the urgent need for conservative rebuilding, especially after the party's consecutive defeats in national elections, including the 2024 general election, last year's presidential election, and the recent local elections.
Kim argued that the first step toward rebuilding conservatism is for the People Power Party to undergo transformation. He pointed out that the new leader could be perceived as a 'pro-Yoon (Yoon Suk Yeol) party' depending on who is elected, indirectly referencing Jeong, who recently served as the party's policy chief.
"Change cannot be just words; it must involve a change in personnel," Kim stressed, adding that only then will the public recognize that change has begun. He also noted that the signs of division within the party are perceived by the public as factionalism, questioning whether true unity can be achieved by those seen as factional leaders.
In response, Jeong emphasized the importance of unity. He remarked, "Bringing external perspectives into our internal discussions only fuels conflict among members. If I become the National Assembly leader, I will start dialogues with those classified as belonging to different factions outside the party. We must restore trust through conversation and move toward unity."
He urged critics to dismiss concerns about being labeled a 'pro-Yoon party,' stating, "During my time as policy chief, I led the drafting of the declaration of absolute loyalty. I will not serve as a shield for any specific faction or individual outside the party."
Seong called for the party to regain its fighting spirit and become a clear opposition force. He pledged to strengthen the party's struggle against the ruling government, differentiating himself from Kim and Jeong, who have backgrounds in public service.
"We must fight against the Lee Jae-myung administration, but both of you are too gentle and mild. I have grown like a weed, while you both have the temperament of the ruling party," Seong asserted, emphasizing the need to fulfill the public's mandate to check the government. "In times of crisis like this, the party needs a field commander."
The People Power Party convened a general meeting on June 10 to initiate the selection of its next National Assembly leader. The candidate forum addressed the urgent need for conservative rebuilding, especially after the party's consecutive defeats in national elections, including the 2024 general election, last year's presidential election, and the recent local elections.
Kim argued that the first step toward rebuilding conservatism is for the People Power Party to undergo transformation. He pointed out that the new leader could be perceived as a 'pro-Yoon (Yoon Suk Yeol) party' depending on who is elected, indirectly referencing Jeong, who recently served as the party's policy chief.
"Change cannot be just words; it must involve a change in personnel," Kim stressed, adding that only then will the public recognize that change has begun. He also noted that the signs of division within the party are perceived by the public as factionalism, questioning whether true unity can be achieved by those seen as factional leaders.
In response, Jeong emphasized the importance of unity. He remarked, "Bringing external perspectives into our internal discussions only fuels conflict among members. If I become the National Assembly leader, I will start dialogues with those classified as belonging to different factions outside the party. We must restore trust through conversation and move toward unity."
He urged critics to dismiss concerns about being labeled a 'pro-Yoon party,' stating, "During my time as policy chief, I led the drafting of the declaration of absolute loyalty. I will not serve as a shield for any specific faction or individual outside the party."
Seong called for the party to regain its fighting spirit and become a clear opposition force. He pledged to strengthen the party's struggle against the ruling government, differentiating himself from Kim and Jeong, who have backgrounds in public service.
"We must fight against the Lee Jae-myung administration, but both of you are too gentle and mild. I have grown like a weed, while you both have the temperament of the ruling party," Seong asserted, emphasizing the need to fulfill the public's mandate to check the government. "In times of crisis like this, the party needs a field commander."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.