"Reverting to Pro-Yoon" vs "Faction Labeling"... Factional Disputes Shake Up Floor Leader Election

People Power Party Floor Leader Debate on June 10
All Three Candidates Call for "Eliminating Factions"
Heated Exchanges Over Donghun Han's Reinstatement and Leadership System Reform

At the joint debate held ahead of the People Power Party floor leader election on June 10, the factional dispute emerged as a central issue. Candidate Kim Doeup criticized candidate Jung Jeomsik by saying, "It will be difficult to avoid the label of 'returning to a pro-Yoon party.'" In response, Jung argued, "The very definition of 'pro-Yoon' or 'party leadership faction' is a framework created by external forces." While all three candidates stressed the need to eradicate factionalism, they showed differing views on the causes of internal conflict and possible solutions.

The candidates for the floor leader of the People Power Party are taking a commemorative photo at the general meeting of lawmakers for the floor leader election held at the National Assembly on the 10th. From the left, lawmakers Kim Doeup, Jung Jeomsik, and Sung Iljong. June 10, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

During the leadership debate that day, the controversy over whether Jung Jeomsik, who previously served as the Policy Committee Chair under the current leadership, was part of the 'pro-Yoon faction' became a key point of contention. Kim Doeup pointed out to Jung, "From the public's perspective, you are viewed as a central figure in one of the party's factions, so there are doubts about whether true unity can be achieved."

Kim added, "I have said before that if Jung Jeomsik becomes floor leader, it will be difficult to avoid being called 'returning to the pro-Yoon party.' I asked whether this is really necessary."

In response, Jung Jeomsik countered, "People outside the party use terms like 'pro-Yoon faction' or 'party leadership faction,' but can a faction exist without a leader?" He further stated, "The definitions of 'pro-Yoon' or 'party leadership faction' themselves are external frameworks. Bringing in outside perspectives can also incite conflicts among party members."

Candidate Sung Iljong also put forward the elimination of factions as his main agenda. Defining himself as a moderate figure between the pro-Ahn and pro-Yoon factions, he said, "The party needs to show that it is changing," and argued, "Choosing a moderate like Sung Iljong will send the strongest signal to the public that the People Power Party is evolving."

All three candidates cited party unity as the starting point for rebuilding the conservative party. Kim Doeup said, "The public sees the People Power Party as one that is always fighting. This is not because of a lack of capability, but because internal conflicts prevent proper evaluation."

The issue of reforming the party's leadership structure also came under discussion. Sung Iljong previously pledged to introduce a collective leadership system, in which the top committee members would be elected according to their votes at the party convention. In response, Jung Jeomsik pointed out, "In the past, serious disagreements among top committee members led to issues such as the so-called 'Bongsunga School' situation, which caused side effects."

Regarding this, Sung Iljong said, "We can overcome the limitations of a collective leadership system by amending the party constitution and regulations to strengthen the characteristics of a single-leader system. Incumbent lawmakers and senior members should participate in the supreme council to deliver messages to the public."

There was also tension over the issue of Han Donghoon's return to the party as an independent lawmaker. Kim Doeup stated, "There are rumors that Han Donghoon will immediately rejoin the party if Kim Doeup becomes floor leader, but this is not true," and drew a line by saying, "Discussion about Han's return is premature."

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