Ruling Party Criticizes Member's Call for Former Leader's Return

The People Power Party (PPP) finds itself navigating internal discord as a key by-election approaches. Senior party official Kwak Kyu-taek's public call for the return of former party leader Han Dong-hoon to contest the Busan Buk-gap seat has drawn sharp criticism from within the party's leadership.

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Kwak's remarks are inappropriate.

Park Sung-hoon, the PPP's chief spokesperson and a member of the nomination committee, deemed Kwak's remarks "inappropriate," especially given his role in overseeing fair candidate selections. Park apologized on behalf of the party for any potential misinterpretations, stating that such comments could create misunderstandings. The party leadership, including floor leader Song Eon-seok, expressed significant concern over Kwak's statement, emphasizing that it was unsuitable for a party spokesperson and nomination committee member.

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I apologize on behalf of the party for any misunderstandings that may arise from the remarks of a nomination committee member.

Kwak had argued on a television program that now is the time for Han to rejoin the party, suggesting he could unify the conservative vote by competing with other candidates like Park Min-sik, the former Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. This proposal comes amid internal discussions within the PPP, with some advocating for not nominating a candidate in the Buk-gap district to avoid splitting the conservative vote if Han were to run as an independent. However, the party leadership has dismissed this idea, asserting that it is the duty of a major party to field candidates in all constituencies.

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Now is the time for Han Dong-hoon to rejoin the party.