국힘 50여명 의총, 장동혁 추진 ‘당협위원장 재선출’ 반대 결론

The National Assembly of South Korea held a meeting on the 21st, with National Assemblymen voicing opposition to the 'total re-election of the Democratic Party Chair' proposal initiated by Party Representative Jeong Daehyung. The opposition to the proposal arose from the perceived stagnation of the 'grassroots reform' initiative.

However, the decision on the matter rests with the highest-level assembly, whose outcome remains uncertain. Ministry of State Secretariat Representative Soon Jin met with reporters after the assembly concluded and stated that she believes in retaining the current method of election for the Democratic Party Chair. She added that she will convey the views expressed by the representatives to the highest-level assembly.

She also explained that although the idea of electing the Democratic Party Chair through voter selection is commendable, it could cause division among the party members. The proposal to re-elect the Democratic Party Chair has been interpreted as an attempt to consolidate power within the ruling faction, which has sparked backlash from current lawmakers.

At the closed-door assembly, 60 out of 109 lawmakers present voiced their opposition to the total re-election of the Democratic Party Chair. Among those present were lawmakers Kim Jong-yang, Kim Taeho, Park Soo-young, Yun Han-hong, and Im Han-hye. Of the 60 lawmakers remaining at the time of the decision, around 50 were still undecided.

The proposal to re-elect the Democratic Party Chair will be decided at the highest-level assembly scheduled for the 24th. There is speculation that the highest-level assembly may not adopt the decision of the National Assembly. One high-level assembly member suggested that the decision to proceed with the total re-election aligns with the proposal's intention to enhance organizational cohesion through direct member participation.

Another high-level assembly member, however, called for finding a compromise, stating that there might be ways to achieve the reform's goal without disrupting regional stability. It was also noted that the highest-level assembly could vote in favor of the total re-election. At the previous high-level assembly meeting, out of 8 members, 5 voted in favor of the total re-election (Jeong Daehyung, Yang Hyun, Kim Min-su, Kim Jae-won, and Jo Guk-han), constituting a majority.

The current and former deputy party chair, U U, opposed the proposal, stating that the current leadership does not have the authority to undertake such an action, especially in the context of the upcoming general election.