Kim Yongtae: "New Leadership to Be Formed in September"... Party Members Say "Interim Leader's Tenure Must Be Decided First"

Kim Yongtae Announces "Party Convention in September"
Possibility of Extending Current Interim Leadership Term Remains Open
Fierce Debate Expected Over Kim Yongtae's Position and September Convention

Kim Yongtae, the interim leader of the People Power Party, has announced plans to hold a party convention in September to elect a new party leader. However, internal strife over the formation of a new leadership system continues unabated. Disagreements persist even over the timing of the convention, and the issue of Kim's own position has emerged as another point of contention.

On June 9, the People Power Party will hold a general assembly of lawmakers at the National Assembly in the afternoon to discuss the next leadership system, including the matter of Kim's tenure as interim leader. In a press conference on June 8, Kim stated, "We will proceed with the necessary procedures to hold the party convention by early September."

Yonhap News Agency

Within the party, opinions are divided over holding the convention in September. The pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk Yeol) faction and other party establishment members prefer to maintain the interim leadership system for the time being. In contrast, the pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) faction insists that the convention should be held as soon as possible.

If the September convention is to proceed as Kim envisions, a decision must first be made regarding the extension of his term as interim leader, but there are also many differing opinions on this issue. Kim has left the possibility of extending his tenure open, stating, "My term will last until the reforms are completed." His current term is set to end on June 30. However, according to the party's constitution and regulations, an extension is possible with the approval of the National Committee.

Both inside and outside the party, there are calls for clarity on the interim leader's position before any further steps are taken. Representative Ahn Cheolsoo pointed out on social media that, "It must first be made clear how long the current interim leader will serve. Only then can the new floor leader decide whether to work with the interim leader or to serve concurrently, and the party convention schedule can be systematically pursued."

It is also uncertain whether the rest of the party leadership, excluding Kim, will remain in place. Currently, all interim leadership members except for Kim have expressed their intention to resign. Kim argued, "It is true that the interim leadership members have resigned politically, but since it is not an administrative resignation, resolutions can still be passed." Representative Kim Daesik told Asia Economy, "This is an issue that should be decided after hearing the debates among lawmakers at the general assembly. Announcing a decision based solely on the interim leader's opinion seems premature."

Another variable is that the People Power Party is set to elect a new floor leader on June 16. Once the current leadership's term ends, the new floor leader will have the authority to appoint a new interim leader. As a result, some are calling for the new floor leader to form a reform-oriented interim leadership. On CBS Radio's "Kim Hyunjung's News Show" on this day, Representative Kim Jaeseop argued, "If we rush the party convention too much, conflicts could actually intensify. A reform-oriented interim leadership should continue to operate for another three to four months."

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