After the defeat in the 6·3 presidential election, People Power Party floor leaders Song Eon-seok, Lee Heon-seung, and Kim Seong-won (in order of the candidate number) emphasized the need for party reform and internal unity to confront the dominant ruling party.
The three candidates expressed their views on party reform and strategies for dealing with lending during the general meeting held in the National Assembly that afternoon to select the floor leader.
Representative Song Eon-seok first suggested, "I propose the prompt holding of a party convention," and stated, "I respect the lawmakers' opinions that a leadership elected directly by party members and the public must swiftly launch to establish stable leadership for the party."
He continued, "I propose the establishment of an innovation committee for party reform and change," noting, "I deeply sympathize with the purpose of change and reform, including Chairperson Kim Yong-tae's proposal. To prepare specific procedures and directions for reform, I will gather everyone's consensus and form the innovation committee." He also promised to hold a "national listening general meeting of lawmakers" to hear voices from outside the party.
Representative Song also stated that for internal party integration, "I will ensure that the party's capabilities are fully mobilized based on the principles of inclusive personnel appointments and putting the right people in the right places," and emphasized, "I will establish personnel principles centered on expertise and capability rather than regional allocations. I will integrate the floor leadership so that the lawmakers' consensus is practically reflected in floor operations." He also pledged to establish a policy network that would allow concerns from various regions, including the metropolitan area, to be reflected in the National Assembly.
Representative Lee noted, "The responsibility for this election defeat belongs not to any specific individual but to all of us," promising to form a neutral evaluation organization to analyze the causes of the election defeat and seek alternatives. He also stated his intention to establish a "balanced leadership" to prevent fractures within the party. Representative Lee said, "When forming the next floor leadership positions such as floor spokesperson, vice chairperson, policy coordination chairperson, and secretary, I will prioritize the expertise and strengths of the lawmakers as well as their policy capabilities." Additionally, he proposed measures to restore internal party democracy, including regular meetings of veteran lawmakers, active implementation of the autonomous voting system, and regularization of issue briefings by region, class, and standing committees.
He emphasized, "Especially when the party is in difficulty, I will hold the center with leadership that does not lean towards either side but integrates moderates," reiterating the importance of "integrated leadership."
Representative Kim emphasized the importance of "unity" before reform. He stated, "I believe it is essential to first figure out how to achieve unity among lawmakers and then pursue reform."
He also urged, "Please take a look at our reality. We are a minor opposition party. It is hard to accept, but we face a crisis that destabilizes the judicial power, following the legislative and executive powers; it is a life-and-death crisis," and asserted, "We must become much stronger than expected by others, rather than simply growing stronger."