People Power Party Begins Preparations for National Convention... Merger with 국민의당 Is a Prerequisite

Possibility of Joo Ho-young Acting Representative Running for Election

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Lee Hyun-joo] The People Power Party, now under the 'post Kim Jong-in' system, has begun the process of launching the next leadership to prepare for the presidential election less than a year away. The primary task is how to resolve the merger issue with the People Party before the party convention.

On the 9th, Joo Ho-young, acting party leader, appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs' and said, "I think the discussion on when and how to merge with the People Party should be settled first. Once that is settled, we can decide whether it will be a 'unified party convention' or if our party will hold the convention first and then discuss the merger. There is an order to these matters." He explained that only after the timing and method of the merger are settled can the timing and method of the party convention be determined. After concluding the floor leader meeting that day, Acting Leader Joo told reporters, "We have requested the People Party to inform us when and in what manner they intend to proceed regarding the merger."

Regarding whether he will run for party leader, Acting Leader Joo said, "The most urgent task is to decide how to conduct this party convention," adding, "Since this is an important time, I will refrain from making any comments." When asked if Representative Ahn could run as the unified party leader, he replied, "It is possible," and added, "It depends on his own will." The possibility of independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo returning to the party has also increased. Acting Leader Joo said, "I don't know how to express it, but since we must unite even by a straw to fight next year's presidential election, I think everyone should come together." He also revealed plans to formally request former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in to serve as the party's standing advisor.

Within the party, there is a strong prospect that Acting Leader Joo might shorten his term by advancing the election of the floor leader if he decides to run for party leader. Acting Leader Joo, who is also the floor leader, has a term until May 29. Because of this, an early floor leader election is also anticipated. The candidates for the next People Power Party floor leader election include lawmakers Kwon Seong-dong, Kim Ki-hyun, Kim Tae-heum, and Yoo Ui-dong.

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