Different Calculations by Emergency Committee Ruling Party... Possibility of 'Civil War' with Lee Jun-seok

Conflict in Activity Duration, Nature, and Role
Lee Representative Considers 'All-Out War' Card

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party classified as part of Yoonhakgwan, and lawmaker Jang Je-won are attending the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 2nd, and are seen walking out side by side during the meeting. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong, Kwon Hyunji] As the People Power Party has begun to formalize the transition to a 'Emergency Response Committee' system, signs of conflict are emerging over the duration, nature, and role of the committee. In particular, Lee Jun-seok, the party leader whose return becomes increasingly unlikely once the Emergency Response Committee is launched, is reportedly considering a 'full-scale battle' strategy including filing an injunction, raising the possibility of an internal conflict.

On the 3rd, Kim Ki-hyun, a People Power Party lawmaker, appeared on CBS Radio and responded to a question about an 'early party convention' by saying, "Prolonging the Emergency Response Committee is akin to admitting that we ourselves are not getting out of the state of emergency." He added, "We need to resolve this situation early to normalize and stabilize the party. Continuing the Emergency Response Committee system sends a very confusing message to the public." As a prominent party leadership contender and former floor leader, Kim is interpreted to believe that the sooner the party convention is held, the more advantageous it will be, given his significant influence within the party.

Another leading party leadership contender, Ahn Cheol-soo, appears to be maintaining some distance from the party situation and observing quietly. Ahn, who left for the United States to meet his daughter, has been refraining from comments related to the Emergency Response Committee and has been focusing solely on policy discussions. On his Facebook, Ahn expressed his opinions on the education system reform announced by the Ministry of Education on the 1st, and the day before, he criticized the early transfer of wartime operational control. Since he joined the party through a merger in April, it is understood that he needs time to build a support base within the party, and therefore prefers a party convention next year rather than an early one.

However, the possibility of legal action by Lee remains a variable. Lee’s side has stated that "nothing has been decided yet," but since there would be no position to return to if the Emergency Response Committee is established, they are considering various options including filing an injunction. If this happens, concerns are growing that internal disputes will be prolonged. A People Power Party official said, "Support ratings are already declining, and people are saying, 'Isn't this a complete brawl?'" Cheon Ha-ram, an Innovation Committee member, also pointed out on YTN Radio, "If Lee takes legal action and overturns the transition to the Emergency Response Committee system, both the party and the presidential office could be ridiculed simultaneously." Regarding Ha Tae-kyung, on BBS Radio, he said, "(Preventing Lee from returning) itself violates the party constitution and regulations," and added, "Even if the Emergency Response Committee is launched, I will quickly submit amendments to the party constitution and regulations to allow Lee to return, so that the national committee members can make a fair judgment."

Meanwhile, the dates for convening the Standing National Committee and the National Committee have not yet been decided. Lee Ho-geun, the People Power Party’s Policy Director, told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "Once the date for the Standing National Committee is set, we will check the attendance of the members and then hold the meeting. The date is decided by Chairman Seo Byung-soo," and explained, "The date has not been set yet, and there has been no progress compared to the previous day."

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