Reform New Party Launches on the 20th... Lee Jun-seok Elected as Inaugural Party Leader

The Reform New Party, led by former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok, officially launched on the 20th.

Reform New Party's Lee Jun-seok, Chairman of the Party Platform and Policy Committee, and Heo Eun-ah, Chairman of the Party Establishment Preparation Committee, are leaving after announcing corporate and transportation-related party platform policies at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the 18th.
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On the same day, the Reform New Party held its central party founding convention at the National Assembly Members' Office Building and elected Lee Jun-seok, chairman of the Policy Committee, as the inaugural party leader.

The Policy Committee chairman is former lawmaker Kim Yong-nam. Supreme council members appointed were Cheon Ha-ram, Heo Eun-ah, and Lee Gi-in, who are the founding preparation committee chairs. Secretary-General Kim Cheol-geun retains his position.

Supreme council member Heo Eun-ah defined the direction of the Reform New Party as a conservative party, democratic party, and liberal party.

The founding convention gathered figures from the third political zone in one place. Attendees included former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in, Lee Nak-yeon, head of the New Future Talent Recruitment Committee, Kim Jong-min, Cho Eung-cheon, and Jeong Tae-geun, co-chairs of the Future Great Union founding preparation committee, Yang Hyang-ja, representative of Hope of Korea, Geum Tae-seop, co-representative of New Choice, and former lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong.

In their congratulatory speeches, they commonly emphasized the necessity of a 'big tent' in the third political zone. The Reform New Party has shown a stance that it can discuss alliances after its official founding.

Lee Nak-yeon, head of the New Future Talent Recruitment Committee, said in his congratulatory speech, "I hope we all cooperate for the challenges of our time," adding, "We know what changes the era demands and what kind of politics it wants. We must do that work together."

He continued, "We are witnessing the downfall of the Republic of Korea. We have painfully experienced what happens when people without experience and preparation take charge of state affairs," emphasizing, "You and I have had the same experiences and share the same awareness of the problems. I hope we pledge to act the same way going forward."

Cho Eung-cheon, co-chair of the Future Great Union founding preparation committee, likened established parties to 'elephants,' saying, "The people command to drive out the elephant, regardless of whether it is short or long," and added, "If possible, I promise to unite and follow the people's command. I hope the Reform New Party will join together."

Yang Hyang-ja, representative of Hope of Korea, stated, "We started from different places but are people who want to go to the same place," and added, "The Reform New Party and Hope of Korea both understand well that the future of this land depends on science, technology, and advanced industries."

Geum Tae-seop, co-representative of New Choice, said, "It is difficult to change alone. We must join forces."

Former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in said, "It seems many people who are creating a new party gathered here today, but it will be very difficult to achieve political success if everyone goes their own way," adding, "If we unite and face the April general election as a single front, I am confident we can fully achieve our intended goals."

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