Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok abruptly resigned Wednesday, taking political responsibility for the party's poor showing in the June 3 local elections. Policy committee chairwoman Lee Ju-young and supreme council members Kim Jeong-cheol and Kim Seong-yeol also announced they would step down alongside him, drawing attention to the possibility of a broader shift in the conservative political landscape ahead of the next general election.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly's media center, Lee said the party had spent roughly three months since the local elections debating how to strengthen and reform itself, but those efforts had failed to gain sufficient support within the party. "I am stepping down as Reform Party leader on Wednesday," he said.
"This is no one else's fault," Lee said. "The responsibility for failing to persuade the public and party members rests entirely with me as leader." He added that if his presence had been blocking other party members from pursuing their goals, vacating the position was the right choice for the party.
On his future plans, Lee said he would continue doing his job as a rank-and-file party member and as the lawmaker representing Dongtan 2 new town. "I ask that you give even greater support to those who will lead the party going forward," he said.
Lee informed the party of his intention to resign last weekend. With his departure, the Reform Party is expected to be led by floor leader Cheon Ha-ram in an acting party leader capacity until the next party convention.
The Reform Party fielded numerous candidates in the June 3 local elections, including bids for regional and district government head posts, but managed to win only a single ward council seat. The party's internal vetting process also came under scrutiny after Jeong I-han, its former candidate for Busan mayor, was indicted on charges of staging a fake assault on himself.
Wednesday also marks the first anniversary of People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok's inauguration. A Reform Party official told reporters the timing of the resignation was not deliberately chosen to coincide with that date. On preparations for the next party convention, the official said it would not happen immediately but would not take long, while noting that the next leadership had not yet been lined up.
Attention is also focused on what role Lee may play in any future conservative consolidation or realignment. Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seong-min said recently that Lee appeared to have some reservations about merging with the PPP under its current leadership. "But for conservatives to unite and win broad support from centrist and conservative voters, Lee must of course play a role in that process," Yoo said.
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