Song Eon-seog, floor leader of the People Power Party, said on the 9th, "Former President Yoon Suk-yeol was asked to leave the party by then emergency committee member Kim Yong-tae, and afterward left the party and has nothing to do with the People Power Party."
At an emergency general meeting of lawmakers held at the National Assembly this afternoon, Floor Leader Song said regarding clashes over the party line, "This is not a mere political back-and-forth but an issue that threatens the survival of the People Power Party, and I stand here thinking that what I say today could be my last political remarks," and said the following.
On the 12.3 martial law, Floor Leader Song said, "None of us plotted or defended martial law in advance," and added, "In addition, our party has repeatedly expressed apologies for martial law, from the general meeting resolution immediately after the declaration, to presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo's remarks, emergency committee chair Kim Yong-tae's remarks, and up to Representative Jang Dong-hyuk's remarks."
He added, "I would like the party to develop a position expressing that we are sorry to the people and are reflecting, for having caused great confusion and disappointment to the public with the declaration of martial law."
Floor Leader Song said, "There is a need to settle the party's position regarding former President Yoon Suk-yeol," and added, "I have repeatedly said in effect that our party does not have the former president. I think this should be settled today by gathering the consensus of lawmakers at the general meeting."
On internal conflict, he said, "The freedom to express opinions and criticize within the party should be broadly respected, but we must guard against improper words and actions that amplify conflict and misunderstanding," adding, "For what has passed, we need the wisdom to embrace the wounds."
Floor Leader Song said, "The election is just around the corner. If we win the election, we can check runaway power, but if we lose, there is concern that the future of the Republic of Korea could be put at risk," adding, "I hope today's general meeting becomes a new turning point for victory in the local elections. Even if it takes some time, I ask all lawmakers to freely present their opinions."