Future Korea Party Proportional Representation List Rejected... Gong Byeong-ho "Will Revise and Supplement to Win People's Hearts" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] The electorate vote to finalize the proportional representation candidates for the Future Korea Party was rejected. Gong Byung-ho, the chairman of the candidate committee, stated, "It was unexpected," and said that revision and supplementation work would be undertaken.

On the 19th, immediately after the electorate vote at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Chairman Gong told reporters, "We will revise and supplement the list so that the public can feel assured and complete the process." The 61 members of the electorate gathered at the headquarters voted 13 in favor, 47 against, and 1 invalid vote, rejecting the candidate committee’s proportional representation candidate list.

The cause was that only four names had changed from the previously announced proportional representation list, which failed to meet the electorate’s expectations. One member of the electorate who participated in the vote said, "The atmosphere among the electorate was that changing only about four names was not acceptable." Previously, the candidate committee had prepared a new proportional list by repositioning Yoon Joo-kyung, the great-granddaughter of independence activist Yoon Bong-gil and former director of the Independence Hall, to number 3; Lee Jong-sung, former secretary-general of the Korea Disabled Association, to number 8; and Choi Seung-jae, chairman of the Small Business Federation, within the top 20.

He said, "I thought the revision work from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. yesterday would be perfectly completed today, but the rejection was unexpected," adding, "Some may be discouraged, disappointed, or frustrated, but since I am serving as the chairman of the candidate committee, I cannot just quit," showing his determination.

The Future Korea Party plans to hold an executive committee meeting soon to decide on a re-vote. If this happens, the candidate committee will revise the proportional representation list again according to the executive committee’s demands. Chairman Gong said, "The executive committee meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m., so we will discuss the proportional representation list even tomorrow," adding, "It is embarrassing to keep calling the candidate committee members who have their own livelihoods, but since this is a major national matter, we must continue to revise and supplement."

When asked if he had received any specific proposals from the executive committee, he said, "I have not been notified of any specific proposals," and added, "I planned to hold a farewell press conference around 3:30 p.m. after the electorate vote approval and then return to my livelihood, but this was unexpected." He continued, "I will consider the causes, and although there may have been shortcomings, they can be fixed through revision and supplementation," and said, "My goal is for the opposition party to win the general election, and I will continue to revise and supplement until it benefits the country."

The rejection of the proportional representation list by the electorate was somewhat anticipated. Most of the electorate are former members of the United Future Party, and within the United Future Party, there is a mood demanding a complete overhaul rather than partial changes. United Future Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn also demanded a firm decision, saying, "The Future Korea Party’s nominations are far from the public’s expectations."

Regarding this, Chairman Gong said, "Since perspectives differ, it can be evaluated that way, but I considered (Leader Hwang’s remarks) political rhetoric," adding, "I saw the proposal from the executive committee as largely reflecting the public’s demands, and I think we were somewhat lacking in actively persuading the candidate committee to empower the opposition party."

Han Sun-kyo, leader of the Future Korea Party, also made remarks related to the proportional representation list on the day, expressing an apology for causing confusion despite dedicating himself to the party and the country before the electorate vote began. He is expected to leave politics at the end of May, after the general election. Chairman Gong said, "I have not heard Leader Han’s thoughts, but he will step down at the end of May," adding, "Until then, we should avoid showing a divided front."

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