New Reform Party Faces Crisis as Leader Lee Jun-seok Resigns After Election Defeat

Lee Jun-seok, the founder and leader of the New Reform Party, announced his resignation on May 26, citing the party's devastating performance in the recent local elections as the primary reason. The party, which was established just over two and a half years ago, now faces an uncertain future with its most prominent figure stepping down.

"For over three months since the local elections, I have considered and proposed ways for the party to strengthen itself and reform," Lee stated at a press conference held at the National Assembly. "However, I did not receive sufficient support within the party. No one is to blame but myself, as the leader, for failing to persuade others." He added that he would continue to serve as a party member and as the National Assembly member for Dongtan 2.

Lee's resignation was followed by the simultaneous resignations of key party officials, including Policy Committee Chairman Lee Ju-young and Supreme Council members Kim Jeong-cheol and Kim Seong-yeol. The party's floor leader, Cheon Ha-ram, will assume the role of acting leader as the party prepares to hold a convention to elect new leadership.

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For over three months since the local elections, I have considered and proposed ways for the party to strengthen itself and reform. However, I did not receive sufficient support within the party. No one is to blame but myself, as the leader, for failing to persuade others.

The New Reform Party had positioned itself as a force for change, fielding 192 candidates in the local and by-elections with a platform emphasizing youth and innovative campaign financing. However, the party secured only one victory, with a local councilor in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. Its performance in the Seoul mayoral race was particularly disappointing, with candidate Kim Jeong-cheol garnering only 0.82% of the vote, falling behind candidates from the Justice Party and the Women's Party. The party also suffered a significant political blow when Jung Yi-han, a candidate for Busan mayor, was arrested and indicted for staging his own assault.

Speculation suggests Lee's decision to step down was influenced by internal conflicts over his proposed reforms for the 2028 general elections, which emerged after the local election defeat. Lee In-geun, the party's secretary-general, commented on a radio show that while there were minor disagreements about the party's direction, it did not escalate into a major conflict. He suggested that Lee made a comprehensive decision due to a general lack of enthusiasm among party members during the consultation process.

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There were minor disagreements about the party's direction, but it did not escalate into a major conflict. He made a comprehensive decision due to a general lack of enthusiasm among party members during the consultation process.