Kwon Young-se and Joo Ho-young: "We Need to Consider Reinstating Party Defectors, but Immediate Orders Are a Bit..."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Regarding the reinstatement of defectors such as Hong Joon-pyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party, and Kim Tae-ho, former governor of Gyeongnam Province, candidates for floor leader unanimously stated that "a quick reinstatement is not desirable."

On the 8th, at the 'Elected Members' General Meeting for the Election of Floor Leader and Policy Committee Chair' held at the National Assembly main building, Joo Ho-young, candidate for floor leader of the United Future Party, responded to an on-site question about the reinstatement of defectors by saying, "If they apply, it will be decided through the provincial party, Supreme Council approval, and a consensus body, but in principle, I think a quick reinstatement is not desirable."

He added, "As far as I know, there is no option to block reinstatement. Reinstatement of those who consider our party 'their own party' is desirable," but expressed concerns, saying, "Among the opposition to reinstatement, there is the issue of how to maintain discipline if those who did not accept the party's nomination decision are reinstated quickly, and many worry that reinstatement could act as a divisive factor."

Candidate Kwon also said, "I think it is not right to artificially change the support that the people have given to our party immediately," and added, "If there is a hurdle to overcome by bringing them back, we need to consider it, but currently, there is no such situation."

However, Cho Hae-jin, who is running as candidate Kwon's running mate, expressed the opinion that reinstatement is desirable, saying, "I joined the Democratic Liberal Party, but last time I was not nominated, became independent, and left the party. I thought I would return immediately, but I ended up coming back after four years, which was painful," and added, "I hope people consider the feelings of being driven out of the house."

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