Kim Yong-tae, the new emergency response committee chairman of the People Power Party, said on the 15th, "I will respectfully recommend former President Yoon Seok-yeol to resign from the party."
On that day, Kim held his first press conference after taking office at the National Assembly and noted, "I will ask former President Yoon Seok-yeol to meet as soon as possible and make a decision for the party and to win the presidential election."
He also stated, "Regardless of whether the president accepts this plan, the party should ensure that this does not happen again," adding that they are considering institutionalizing the party's constitution and regulations to reflect this sentiment. "For example, we are contemplating a plan to restrict party members who receive a guilty ruling or a remand judgment from the Supreme Court or those deemed unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court for about three years."
He further emphasized, "I believe the People Power Party and presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo have shown their commitment to reform the party and their willingness for political change in order to win the presidency," adding, "I will actively reach out to many figures within the party, including former Representative Han Dong-hoon and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, even today."
Before taking questions from reporters, Kim stated that he would promote the institutionalization of party democracy to normalize the relationship between the ruling party and the president.
He added, "I will reflect the 'three main principles of party relations'—cooperation between the party and the government, separation of party and government, and prohibition of party privatization—in the party's constitution and regulations."
The principle of party-government cooperation means closely collaborating for smooth governance beyond the vertical and horizontal relationships between the party and the president.
The principle of separation of party and government prohibits the president from intervening in major party affairs such as internal elections, nominations, and party positions, while the prohibition of party privatization means that no loyalist or opposing factions within the party will be tolerated.
Kim emphasized, "This institutionalization of party relations will block the president's interference in party affairs while enhancing the ruling party's cooperation in governance," and added, "If there are any issues with the president's governance, I will establish procedures that encourage communication and discussion between the president, ruling party lawmakers, and ensure the best policies for the people before any criticism from the opposition."
He also unveiled plans for a big tent. Kim stated, "The candidate mentioned names such as Lee Jun-seok (Reform Party) and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, saying that those who were branded as traitors by the party's judgment and left the party, and those who may have different roots but share the same values, and those who have erred but have reflected on their actions, should unite broadly to win this presidential election." He added, "I also agree with this."
He continued, "Before we can forge a strong coalition, the first task is to bring together the preliminary candidates who competed in the internal party elections," and noted, "I believe the party has shown its strong will today. Now it is time for many, including former Representative Han Dong-hoon, to respond. I will respectfully invite them."