Lee Un-ju, a Senior Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced she would step down from her position, taking responsibility for the results of the June 3 local elections. She is the first member of the party’s leadership to express intent to resign following the elections.
The lawmaker stated in a Facebook post on the 8th, “As a Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, I deeply feel the weight of responsibility facing the results of the June 3 local elections,” adding, “I will step down from my position as a Supreme Council Member and return to being a regular lawmaker.”
She emphasized, “The warning from the public sentiment shown in this local election cannot be taken lightly,” and noted, “Despite achieving significant results nationwide, we failed to sufficiently gain public support in key battlegrounds, including Seoul and the metropolitan area.” She continued, “Above all, our party relied too much on the president’s approval ratings and failed to present strategies and visions that align with regional public sentiment. The departure of moderates and the 2030 youth generation, as well as shifts in public sentiment observed in major metropolitan areas, are critical points that our party and the government must seriously reflect on in terms of policy.”
She added, “Elections cannot be fought with expectations alone, and I have once again confirmed that the public always demands a higher level of responsibility and preparedness. Regardless of victory or defeat, I will humbly accept the warnings and criticisms sent by the public.”
Lee stated, “Although I will step down from my party position, I will do my utmost for the success of the Lee Jae Myung government, the innovation of the Democratic Party, and the future of South Korea with a humble attitude of serving the people. I will listen more closely to the voices of the public on the ground and strive to help the party regain the trust of the people.”
Lee Un-ju, classified as a non-mainstream faction member, has sparked interpretations that her resignation is a form of pressure on the leadership of Jung Chung-rae. The party leader is expected to challenge for re-election as representative at the upcoming national convention in early September.
The Democratic Party won 12 out of 16 metropolitan mayoral elections nationwide in this local election but lost Seoul, a key battleground, to the People Power Party. It also suffered defeats in major by-elections, including Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, and Busan Buk-gap. Consequently, some within the party have raised questions about the responsibility of Representative Jung Chung-rae.
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