Kim Yong-tae, chairperson of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, resigned 49 days after being appointed. Chairperson Kim had been advocating for reforms following the defeat in the June 3rd presidential election. However, he was unable to reconcile differences with pro-Yoon Suk-yeol lawmakers and ultimately stepped down after completing his designated term.
On the morning of the 30th, Chairperson Kim held a farewell press conference at the National Assembly and said, “As I conclude my term as Emergency Chairperson, I convey my reflections to the people and party comrades, expressing my thoughts on the path to rebuilding conservatism,” adding, “I will return as a member of the National Assembly and gather the will for reform.”
He continued, “No matter how correct the words of the conservative opposition may be, we cannot gain the people's trust because we are not free from the legacy of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. We must unite our fundamental reflections and new commitments to transform into a new conservative party, a warm conservatism.”
Chairperson Kim proposed six methods for rebuilding conservatism. Specifically, ▲realizing constitutional values ▲practicing popular sovereignty ▲warm and innovative conservatism ▲establishing the morality necessary for national reform ▲harmonious constitutional spirit not biased toward freedom ▲establishing a sense of history for generational integration.
Previously, on the 8th, Chairperson Kim announced five major reform proposals, including ▲holding a national convention in September ▲nullifying the party's position against the impeachment of the president ▲investigating the unjust replacement of presidential candidates ▲100% grassroots nomination. Chairperson Kim advocated for a vote by all party members regarding the reform proposals but was blocked by opposition from a majority of lawmakers within the party.
Chairperson Kim stated regarding the five reform proposals, “Many lawmakers and party members agreed with the direction of the reforms, but I could not get close to the decision-making of the party,” and continued, “I advocated for a vote by all party members to secure the basis for the party's existence and reform, but it was also not accepted.”
He emphasized, “If the vested interests are hindering fundamental change despite having brought the party to ruin, there will be no future for the People Power Party. I will not be pessimistic. The reform of conservatism will surely be realized, as it reflects the will of the people and the party members.”
The People Power Party will hold a general assembly in the afternoon to discuss the appointment of a successor to the Emergency Chairperson. Within the party, there are discussions about Song Eon-seok, the floor leader, concurrently taking up the post of Emergency Chairperson. The new Emergency Chairperson will be appointed through a national committee meeting on the 1st of next month, and the Emergency Committee will prepare for the national convention scheduled for August.
After the Emergency Committee is formed around Floor Leader Song, the party's Innovation Committee will also be established. The People Power Party has been preparing to establish the Innovation Committee instead of adopting the five reform proposals suggested by Chairperson Kim. It is expected that pro-Yoon Suk-yeol and pro-Han Dong-hoon lawmakers will participate in the Innovation Committee. However, with delays in forming the Innovation Committee, criticisms are emerging that reforms are stalling.
After concluding the press conference, Chairperson Kim met with reporters and emphasized, “Every time the People Power Party has faced difficulties, there have been precedents for establishing an Innovation Committee, but it is hard to see that we have achieved successful outcomes,” stating, “Without the bone-deep efforts and the commitment to change everything, there will be no future for the People Power Party.”