PPP's Seong Il-jong enters floor leader race, vows 'bold drive' for party reform

People Power Party lawmaker Seong Il-jong, who represents the Seosan-Taean constituency in South Chungcheong Province, declared his candidacy Friday in the party's floor leader primary election.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly, Seong said he would "boldly drive forward the work of reforming a party that has lost its footing, on the foundation of unity."

He was sharply critical of the party's current leadership. "Look at the state of our party right after the election," he said. "The leadership is clinging to its vested interests rather than calling for self-reflection."

He added that "recovery is impossible" unless that entrenched culture is dismantled, and stressed that "fundamental reform is needed for the party to regain the public's trust."

Seong also positioned himself as a unifying figure untethered to any faction. "I have never done politics by riding on the back of a particular faction or power group," he said. "I am confident that I am the right person to serve as a platform for unity — for the people and the party, not for factions or cliques — in keeping with the convictions I have held throughout my career."

Speaking to reporters after the press conference, Seong addressed calls from some quarters for People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok to take responsibility for the party's performance in the June 3 local elections. He acknowledged that Jang "worked hard and dedicated himself throughout the election process," but said the party must "soberly and accurately grasp where public sentiment lies, as expressed through the election."

"It is the duty of those holding party positions to conduct themselves in accordance with that public sentiment," he added.

On independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, Seong described him as "an important asset to the center-right camp," but drew a clear line on the question of his return to the party. "This is not a matter to be decided in haste," he said.

"We need to take a comprehensive look at the various procedures, including the party constitution and rules, as well as public opinion," he said.

If elected floor leader, Seong signaled a combative posture toward the Democratic Party of Korea in negotiations over the formation of the new Assembly session. "The Seoul election was a warning from the people to a Democratic Party that has been destroying parliamentary democracy," he said. "If the ruling party does not stop its unilateral dominance, I will fight hard as opposition floor leader."