People Power Party Accepts Kwon Seong-dong, Fate of Remaining 'Three Independents' Uncertain

Sudden Re-entry Decision of People Power Party... Attention on Hong Jun-pyo, Kim Tae-ho's Positions
Mixed Interpretations of Pros and Cons... 'Trio' Faces Both Hope and Concern

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] With the People Power Party allowing Rep. Kwon Seong-dong to rejoin, attention is turning to the whereabouts of the remaining 'three independents.'

Rep. Kwon's reinstatement is the first case among the 'four defectors' who were excluded from the April 15 general election nominations, left the party, and won as independents. Inside and outside the party, many agree that this re-entry decision was made abruptly. This is because Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in had previously drawn a line, saying, "It won't be too late to discuss reinstatement after the party establishes a stable foundation."

An Emergency Committee official said, "Rep. Kwon applied for reinstatement and also went through the city and provincial party membership review committees. Procedurally, the agenda was brought to the Emergency Committee and was approved," cautioning against overinterpretation. However, there is also an interpretation that the party leadership's stance on accepting reinstatement has changed. It is said that Rep. Kwon has opened the door, signaling that other lawmakers can also be reinstated if they follow the same procedures. Rep. Kim Tae-ho applied for reinstatement immediately after news of Rep. Kwon's return became known.

However, some analyze that this decision may actually work against the remaining 'three independents.' Although there had been calls for collective reinstatement, the party leadership has clearly stated that they will discuss reinstatement individually through procedures, using Rep. Kwon's reinstatement as a precedent. One official said, "It is true that the issues of defection during the nomination process and reinstatement after election have been politically resolved," adding, "Emphasizing procedures can be interpreted as a form of disciplining or enforcing party discipline."

Unlike Rep. Kwon, who was well-liked within the party, the remaining three have clear 'likes and dislikes,' which is another variable. Rep. Hong Joon-pyo formed a tense relationship with Chairman Kim during the nomination process and had conflicts with party lawmakers during his tenure as leader of the Liberty Korea Party. Because of this, there are concerns that reinstatement could lead to renewed internal conflicts. Rep. Kim's strong pro-Park Geun-hye stance is also seen as a burden. There are mixed concerns that the reinstatement of these hardliners could affect the party's reform efforts.

Rep. Hong commented on Rep. Kwon's reinstatement, saying, "Joining forces ahead of the national audit is a desirable move for the opposition," but made no specific remarks about his own reinstatement. On his Facebook, he indirectly expressed his feelings by saying, "I am deeply immersed in 'Sima Yi' from the late Han dynasty of China, who rose to the top after enduring endless patience and submission."

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