Yun Ho-jung Acknowledges Responsibility Theory, Remains Neutral on Position Issue

Yun Hojung "Criticism of Innovation Image Limitations Partially Valid... Will Listen to Opinions"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Although the Emergency Response Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea officially launched four days ago, internal conflicts continue over leadership issues within the ‘Yun Ho-jung Emergency Committee system.’ Chairman Yun acknowledged criticisms that there are limits to his role in reform given his responsibility for the presidential election defeat, but he reserved his position on his tenure, stating that he would first thoroughly gather opinions from party lawmakers.

Yoon Ho-jung, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending a meeting of re-elected lawmakers held at the National Assembly on the 17th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

On the 17th, Chairman Yun appeared on KBS Radio in the morning and addressed the internal calls for his resignation, saying, "I am a person responsible for the presidential election defeat. The criticism that I have limitations in presenting an image of innovation to the public is partly valid." He partially accepted the internal veto atmosphere. However, he emphasized that "considering various negotiations and confirmation hearings related to the new government’s launch comprehensively, the party leadership made the decision," and realistically, the current emergency committee system had to operate as it is. He expressed, "Now, in addition to the mission of innovating and reforming the party, the local elections are also imminent," adding, "Because three very difficult tasks (reform, local elections, new government launch negotiations) must be carried out simultaneously, we made the emergency committee a reform-oriented one."

Although calls for resignation have emerged from the party’s largest parliamentary group ‘The Better Future’ and earlier from the first-term lawmakers’ group ‘The Mincho,’ he said, "There is no unified opinion," and stated that he would attend the first- and second-term lawmakers’ meeting that day to listen to their opinions thoroughly. Since last week’s party meeting, Chairman Yun has completed meetings with senior lawmakers with four or more terms and three-term lawmakers this week, and meetings with second- and first-term lawmakers were scheduled for the morning and afternoon, respectively. Yun said, "It is difficult to comment as I have not heard all opinions yet, but I plan to listen to all, refer to them, set a direction, and quickly embark on the path of reform."

However, until the floor leader is elected on the 25th, discord over the current emergency committee system is expected to continue for some time. The Democratic Party will elect the next floor leader using a conclave-style method without candidates, similar to a papal election, and the newly elected floor leader may push for the selection of a new emergency committee chairman, making it highly likely that the current system will be maintained amid noise until then. Although the party constitution and regulations stipulate a two-month term for the emergency committee chairman, there are criticisms that Yun’s decision to serve until the August party convention is problematic.

A second-term lawmaker said in a phone interview, "We have to wait until the floor leader election to know," and dismissed calls for resignation, saying, "Since the party decided on the Yun Ho-jung emergency committee system after the presidential defeat, we should follow what has been decided for now. Resignation? What resignation?" Party emergency committee member Cho Eung-cheon also appeared on CBS Radio that day and said, "(Chairman Yun) declined, but was told ‘There is no one else but you,’ so he took the role. It’s almost like drinking a poisoned cup," defending Yun. He added, "Realistically, if he resigns, the question is who will be appointed as the emergency committee chairman," and drew a line against suggestions to nominate Senior Advisor Lee Jae-myung as the emergency committee chairman, calling it "inappropriate." Cho said, "After fighting a fierce battle and just about to take off the armor, being told to put it back on and go to the battlefield again is unfair. He is our party’s greatest asset, having won 16 million votes. We must protect him for the party and for Lee Jae-myung."

Nevertheless, it is known that voices favoring Chairman Yun’s resignation are strong both inside and outside the party. A Democratic Party official hinted, "There are many demands for Chairman Yun’s resignation among provincial and city councilors outside Yeouido."

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