On August 1, the mayor of Daegu, Hong Joon-pyo spoke on People Power Party (PPP) floor leader Kweon Seong-dong’s decision to step down as acting party leader the previous day and said, “Now, when we have lost the trust of our party members and the people, wouldn’t it be right for the entire leadership including the floor leader to step down and give the newly elected floor leader emergency authority over the party to fill the vacancy of leader Lee Jun-seok?” He suggested that the party elect a new floor leader and continue having an acting leader instead of having an emergency committee run the party, an idea that’s been voiced by party members.

This morning, Mayor Hong wrote on social media, “We cannot form an emergency committee as long as the party leader does not resign, and if the acting leader resigns, it would be right for the floor leader to step down as well according to legal principles.” He went on to ask, “I have no idea what it means for him to lay down just the position of acting leader, one that he naturally succeeded, while maintaining his position as floor leader?”

After People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok was subject to disciplinary measures on July 8, the party’s floor leader, Kweon Seong-dong began serving as acting party leader. According to the PPP constitution, if the party leader cannot tend to his tasks due to an accident and other reasons, the floor leader followed by supreme council members in the order of the votes they obtained are to serve as acting leader. Mayor Hong pointed this out and argued that it was right for Kweon to step down as floor leader as well if he was to be responsible.

Hong said, “By the time legal procedures concerning Lee Jun-seok ends, his course of action will naturally be determined,” and argued, “For a political party, it seems right to have the party temporarily run on an emergency system led by the floor leader until then, and then decide whether to hold a party convention. I can’t understand why they are seeking tricks and shortcuts. It is regrettable.”