Lee Jun-seok to resign as Reform Party leader over election defeat, staged assault scandal

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party, is reportedly set to resign from his post today, taking political responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the recent June 3 local elections and the controversy surrounding a staged assault on a Busan mayoral candidate.

Sources within the Reform Party indicated that Lee planned to announce his resignation at a press conference scheduled for this morning. The party faced a significant defeat in the local elections, fielding candidates in major metropolitan and local council races but ultimately securing only one basic local council seat. This outcome represents a major setback for the party.

Adding to the party's woes, Jung Yi-han, the Reform Party's candidate for Busan mayor, was arrested and charged with staging his own assault. This incident has further damaged the party's image and Lee's leadership.

Despite Lee's previous stance on completing party reform initiatives, including canceling a meeting with Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, it is understood that he has concluded that the momentum for internal reforms has weakened. This assessment appears to have led to his decision to step down.