Jeong Hong-won, Chairman of the People Power Party Election Commission, Withdraws Resignation... Lee Jun-seok Actively Discourages (Comprehensive)

Jung "Situation to be concluded over the weekend"

Hwang Kyo-ahn (from left), Choi Jae-hyung, Jang Sung-min, Jang Ki-pyo, Yoon Seok-youl, Won Hee-ryong, Park Chan-joo, and Park Jin, presidential candidates of the People Power Party, are posing for a commemorative photo showing their pledge documents at the Fair Primary Pledge Ceremony held at the People Power Party Central Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 5th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Jeong Hong-won, the election commissioner of the People Power Party, expressed his intention to resign on the 5th but reversed his decision after being persuaded by leader Lee Jun-seok and other party leaders. This is interpreted as a happening caused by the heated conflict among candidates over the introduction of a 'reverse selection prevention clause' related to the primary election rules for selecting the party's presidential candidate.

After the People Power Party's fair election pledge ceremony and a meeting with candidates on the same day, Leader Lee said to reporters, "I persuaded him, and Commissioner Jeong knows well, but he also knows that the leadership's trust is solid," adding, "Before today's meeting started, it was explicitly stated that such behavior by the candidates was wrong, so perhaps he has regained the motivation to work for the country again."

Recently, some candidates have opposed the internal trend within the election commission to introduce a reverse selection prevention clause that could favor certain candidates. On this day, former Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, and lawmakers Ha Tae-kyung and Hong Joon-pyo did not attend the pledge ceremony.

Seemingly aware of this, Commissioner Jeong also explained at the meeting, "We invited six experts?two in favor, two against, and two neutral?to hear their opinions. The key point is that there is concern about reverse selection, but it has not been scientifically proven. That is the conclusion," adding, "We could not reach a conclusion and decided to take time over the weekend to finalize it."

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is greeting attendees including Election Commission Chairman Jeong Hong-won after finishing his remarks at the Fair Primary Pledge Ceremony and Election Commission Chairman Candidate Meeting held at the People Power Party Central Office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 5th. Candidates Hong Joon-pyo, Ha Tae-kyung, Yoo Seung-min, and Ahn Sang-soo did not attend the event, arguing for the exclusion of the 'reverse selection prevention clause.'
Meanwhile, it is reported that Chairman Jeong expressed his intention to resign to Lee on the same day. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The candidates urged a swift decision regarding the primary election rules. Former United Future Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn also pointed out, "The party leadership and election commission must stop being shaken. Players cannot change the referee." Jang Ki-pyo, director of the New Civilization Policy Research Institute, said, "I think if we had gathered and made a quick decision, such incidents could have been avoided," adding, "I hope there will be no further delays in reaching a conclusion." He also added, "I believe that a wrong decision is better than delaying a decision, and this case falls under that."

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung said, "What is truly important in the joint primary process is not the rules but that all candidates unite and move toward the same goal," adding, "I think making a quick decision is the best decision." Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong also expressed concern, saying, "If each candidate's actions outside the primary arena attract public attention, I worry that the election commission may face unexpected factors."

There were also criticisms directed at the candidates who boycotted the meeting that day. People Power Party lawmaker Park Jin said, "Ultimately, the election commission's rules must be followed, and personal opinions should be presented, but it is regrettable to boycott and not attend just because one's opinion is not reflected."

On the other hand, there were opinions that the party leadership should embrace even the candidates who boycotted. Jang Sung-min, director of the World and Northeast Asia Peace Forum, emphasized, "The election commissioner and party leader should bring those people in," adding, "After the meeting, we should all emphasize the legitimacy of the rules promoted by the party and show democratic leadership that seeks maximum cooperation to board the huge primary election bus, thereby expanding the party's power."

Yoon Seok-youl, former Prosecutor General, who advocates the introduction of the reverse selection prevention clause, remained reserved. Former Prosecutor General Yoon said, "Through this primary, I will also do my best to ensure that our party clearly shows the public whether we truly have the will to change the regime and whether we can properly lead this country." The People Power Party Election Commission plans to hold a debate on the primary election rules in the afternoon.

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