Three-Way Race for PPP Floor Leader: Kim Doeup Calls for "Renewal," Jeong Jeomsik for "Unity," Sung Iljong for "Ending Factionalism"

Rival Visions for Reform at People Power Party’s First-Term and Re-Elected Lawmakers' Debate
Policy Platforms Clash on Eve of Floor Leader Election

Kim Doeup, Jung Jeomsik, and Sung Iljong, lawmakers who have declared their candidacies for the upcoming floor leader election of the People Power Party, presented their visions for rebuilding the party at a meeting hosted by first-term and re-elected lawmakers on the 9th. Assemblyman Kim emphasized image renewal, Assemblyman Jung highlighted unity, and Assemblyman Sung called for an end to factional politics, each appealing for support.

The meeting, held in the afternoon at the National Assembly, was co-hosted by the People Power Party’s first-term and re-elected lawmakers group. The candidates shared their policy stances on topics such as evaluating the results of the June 3 local elections, party reform measures, and strategies for confronting the ruling bloc.

Kim Doeup (center), Jung Jeomsik (left), and Sung Iljong, lawmakers who have declared their candidacies for the upcoming floor leader election of the People Power Party, are posing for a commemorative photo at a meeting hosted by lawmakers of early and re-elected members on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Candidate No. 1, Assemblyman Kim, stressed the importance of renewing the party’s image and shifting its direction. He stated, “If the party continues on its current path, the 2028 general elections and the 2030 presidential election will bring truly devastating results. Let’s comprehensively transform the party’s image so we are no longer referred to as the ‘pro-Yoon party.’”

He added, “During the one year given to me, I will change the party’s image to lay the foundation so that the next floor leader and party leader can lead us to victory in the general elections. I will play a key role in driving change and innovation within the party.”

Candidate No. 2, Assemblyman Jung, presented a sober analysis of the election defeat and identified party unity as the top priority. He said, “Lawmakers’ deep reflection on the causes of the election defeat and their search for alternatives forms the precious foundation for saving our party. However, the agonizing debate over whether to resign or to manage the aftermath must not result in another internal division.”

He emphasized, “If I become floor leader, I will respect lawmakers’ valuable opinions and establish a party direction that everyone can agree on. By harnessing the collective intelligence of our lawmakers, I will realize a politics of empathy that meets the expectations of the people and build strong unity based on mutual trust.”

Candidate No. 3, Assemblyman Sung, argued that the party must break away from factional politics and become a clear, reform-driven opposition party. He said, “In December next year, registration for parliamentary preliminary candidates will begin. We have only about one year and five months left until the general elections. To repair the party and offer hope to the people in this time, we must fight as a clear opposition party.”

He continued, “This is not the time for pro-Han or pro-Yoon factional infighting. Factional politics must end. I have never belonged to any faction. Only when leadership with integrity is established can we properly win the next general elections.”

Assemblyman Sung also mentioned the need to reform the Yeouido Institute and revise the supreme council election system, highlighting the necessity of innovation throughout the party’s organization. He said, “Through the floor leader election, we must send a clear signal to the public that the party is changing. I will break up the factions and fundamentally transform the party.”

Assemblyman Park, who leads the first-term lawmakers group that hosted the meeting, said, “The people are asking what we are reflecting on and what we intend to change. I hope this becomes the starting point for the People Power Party to unite again, regain the public’s trust, and become a credible governing party.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.