Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, announced his resignation on August 26, stating, "If I have been blocking the efforts of other party members, stepping aside is the choice I must make for the party." He cited responsibility for the party's poor performance in the June 3 local elections and the controversy surrounding Jeong Yi-han, a former candidate for Busan mayor, who was implicated in a staged attack.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Lee said, "For about three months since the local elections, I have been contemplating and proposing ideas for the party's self-strengthening and reform. However, I did not receive sufficient support within the party." He attributed the lack of consensus on reform to his own failure to persuade others, stating, "It is no one’s fault. The responsibility for not being able to convince others lies entirely with me as the leader."
Previously, Lee's party fielded candidates for key positions in the local elections but secured only one seat in the local council. The political burden increased after Jeong Yi-han was arrested and indicted on charges related to the staged attack, further diminishing Lee's standing as party leader. Following the election results, he had indicated a desire for reform but ultimately decided to resign when he could not rally support within the party.
He added, "We face an unavoidable political schedule, and time in politics waits for no one. I have concluded that we cannot align our schedules without agreement on direction. As a party member and a member of the National Assembly representing Dongtan 2 New Town, I will fulfill my duties in my position." He also urged support for those who will lead the party in the future, expressing gratitude for the time spent in leadership.
On the same day, the party's leadership also resigned. The Reform Party stated, "The party leader, top committee members, and policy committee chair have all resigned to take responsibility for the defeat in the local elections." Following this, floor leader Cheon Ha-ram will serve as acting party leader, with plans to elect a new leadership through a party convention.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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