The People Power Party's junior lawmakers' group "Alternative and Future" confirmed on Wednesday its differences with PPP Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk over cutting ties with former President Yoon Suk Yeol and decided to stop making related demands.
The group concluded that Jang is unlikely to change course and decided to hold him politically accountable after the local elections.
PPP Representatives Lee Seong-kwon and Cho Eun-hee, members of Alternative and Future, briefed reporters after meeting with Jang and floor leader Song Eon-seok at the National Assembly.
"We share the same goal of winning the local elections, but we confirmed differences in methods, strategies, and tactics to achieve it," they said.
"Starting tomorrow, the party will begin nominating candidates for local elections, and the fight against the government and Democratic Party's three major bills that would destroy the judiciary will continue," the lawmakers said. "Under these circumstances, convening a general assembly over the party's direction could cause further confusion. As a final measure, we recommended that the party leadership sever ties with former President Yoon Suk Yeol and 'Yoon Again.'"
Lee noted that "distrust and disappointment toward the People Power Party has accumulated significantly among local constituents," adding that "the biggest reason is the failure to cut ties with 'Yoon Again.'"
However, Lee added: "We have doubts about whether continuing to push our position alone would succeed. While we are not following the leadership's line, we believe it is appropriate to leave the responsibility to those with authority." Lee explained that "Chairman Jang also mentioned that authority and responsibility are his own matters, and he has no choice but to bear ultimate political responsibility for the local elections."
Cho also stated: "Since Chairman Jang said the path to future electoral victory is entirely his responsibility, we are leaving that matter to him. Whether he expands the party's base, takes a centrist line, or modifies the existing direction—that is entirely up to him."
"Going forward, Chairman Jang will direct all election campaign processes, and we will each do our best in our own positions to achieve electoral victory," Cho added.
The group also decided to drop its demand for a "showdown general assembly." Lee said: "There is a possibility of endless repetitive debates without reaching a conclusion. We decided not to request a general assembly."
The lawmakers also recommended measures for party unity. Lee said: "We requested broad reconciliation because the continuous disciplinary actions are causing public fatigue with our party. Chairman Jang responded that he understands what we mean and will consider it carefully."
Regarding Nomination Committee Chairman Lee Jung-hyun's attire, Lee said: "We strongly conveyed concerns that the chairman continuously wearing military-style field jackets is being associated with inappropriate matters in our party. Chairman Jang responded that he would consider this in line with public perception."