Lee Jung-hyun, chairman of the People Power Party's nomination management committee, has returned to his post just two days after announcing his resignation.
In a statement released on the 15th, Lee said, "Yesterday evening, the party leader conveyed his intention to entrust me with full authority over nominations, asking me to complete the nomination reform." He added, "I accept this authority as a heavy responsibility and, despite my embarrassment, will resume my duties as nomination committee chairman."
Lee acknowledged that his decision to resign had burdened the party. "My desire to change the party through nominations was so strong that my choice ended up creating another burden for the party," he said. "I believe that stepping down during a difficult time for the party, regardless of the reason, must have been another disappointment to the public and party members."
Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk's promise to grant full authority proved decisive in Lee's return. On the previous day, Jang had written on Facebook, "The chairman's role is absolutely necessary for victory in the local elections," urging Lee to "lead the nomination committee again and complete the reform nominations."
Lee assessed the party's situation in stark terms. "The People Power Party is in a serious political crisis, and what we need now is not minor remedies but fundamental change," he said. "Just as a doctor applies electric shocks to revive a patient whose heart has stopped, our party needs that level of decisive action and shock."
He warned, "If we don't do this, the People Power Party will face a judgment from the people's power that could threaten its very survival."
Regarding future nomination procedures, Lee emphasized, "I will not shy away from necessary decisions. Whether it's vested interests or conventions, I will boldly change them to meet the public's expectations. I will create competition where there is none and open the doors of politics wider to young people and experts."