Lee Jun-seok, a commissioner of the Reform Party, publicly revealed on the 19th that he suggested a candidacy for party leader to Kim Yong-tae, chairperson of the People Power Party, as a solution to implement the 'five major reform proposals.'
Previously, Chairperson Kim announced the 'five major reform tasks' on the 8th, which included ▲holding a national convention by early September ▲promoting the invalidation of the party's stance against the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol ▲investigating the circumstances surrounding attempts to replace presidential candidates Kim Moon-soo and Han Duck-soo.
However, with rising opposition primarily from the former mainstream members, the party became embroiled in internal strife, leading to the cancellation of a general assembly meeting to discuss the reform proposals. In response, on the 13th, Chairperson Kim noted, 'If party members do not want the invalidation of the party's stance against impeachment, I will withdraw it,' and suggested a survey of party members' opinions.
That day, the lawmaker appeared on Channel A radio and stated, 'A week ago, I met with Chairperson Kim and suggested that instead of stipulating that the next floor leader would submit a vote on the innovation plan if I resign, how about running for the national convention to have the party members decide based on the innovation plan?' The two have maintained their connection by previously working together in the People Power Party under the moniker 'Cheon-A Yongin' (Cheon Ha-ram, Heo Eun-a, Kim Yong-tae, Lee Gi-in).
The lawmaker explained, 'Chairperson Kim always says no when I make such a suggestion,' adding, 'He will likely have a lot of thoughts since he is gentle-hearted.'
He emphasized, 'Since Chairperson Kim has not said anything wrong, we must trust the people and party members and move forward,' and 'Looking at the newly elected floor leader or the chief floor leader, Yoo Sang-beom, it seems that the floor members lack the will for change, so we must move forward for the people and party members.'
Regarding the nationwide vote proposed by Chairperson Kim, he reiterated, 'Why should we depend on the good intentions of the newly elected floor leader for such a critical issue?' adding, 'If he runs, it will be resolved automatically.'
When asked about Chairperson Kim's reaction to the proposal to run for the national convention, the lawmaker said, 'Chairperson Kim always responds negatively when I make such suggestions,' and 'He will likely have a lot of concerns due to his gentle nature.'
Regarding the prospects for the next leadership contenders of the People Power Party, he predicted, 'It seems that Ahn Cheol-soo and former candidate Kim Moon-soo will run, while Han Dong-hoon, though initially saying he won't, will ultimately run.' He added, 'If articles keep coming out saying that people around him are advising against it, it means he will eventually run,' further stating, 'If former Chair Han has the opportunity, he will definitely run,' adding that 'if he runs, he will win.'
He analyzed, 'Even if candidates Han and Kim face each other directly in the national convention, Han is likely to win,' stating, 'While there may be figures that could cause vote splitting, former Chair Na Kyung-won's candidacy is a constant, and Ahn's candidacy is slightly less constant, so the vote splitting for former Chair Han will be minimal.'