Kweon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, on the 14th criticized former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, who declared his withdrawal from the People Power Party presidential primary, saying, "It is not the proper attitude of a great politician to leave while disparaging the party."
Kweon noted during a meeting with reporters after a lawmakers' meeting that day, when asked about Yoo's consideration of running as an independent or for a third party, "As a junior, I sincerely advise you. Reflect on everything while repeating, 'It's my fault.'"
Kweon also pointed out, "The presidential race proceeds according to each candidate's ability, will, and support." He stated, "The (primary rules) are already stipulated in the party's constitution, with public opinion polls accounting for 50% and party members accounting for 50%, and it is natural for the party leadership to follow the party's constitution and regulations," adding, "The very act of arguing to set primary rules by violating the party's constitution and regulations to make it favorable for oneself is fundamentally wrong." This was aimed at Yoo's demand for a complete national primary (open primary, with public opinion polls accounting for 100%).
Former lawmaker Yoo stated the previous day, "The behavior of shrinking rather than expanding the territory of conservatism leaves one speechless," and announced he would not participate in the People Power Party primary. He has argued that, as this presidential election follows the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl, the methods of the primary, including a complete national primary, should be reformed to enhance moderate expansion. However, it appears he judged that he would be at a disadvantage in the primary as the party leadership confirmed that candidates would be selected based on 50% party members and 50% public opinion polls. Yoo is said to be planning to run as an independent or form a faction in a third party to run for president.
Kweon responded to criticism from former leader Han Dong-hoon regarding the internal 'Han Deok-soo promotion theory,' stating, "It is not appropriate for the leadership to respond to every comment, but it is a matter for party members and the public to judge."
Earlier, former leader Han criticized in an interview with SBS radio that day, "The process of creating a party candidate should focus the public's attention, but all the media talk about appointing Prime Minister Han Deok-soo," adding, "At such a crucial time for the People Power Party, it is itself an improper act to deflate the primary."