Following the resignation of former leader Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party is set to initiate procedures to elect a new leadership by preparing for a national convention to stabilize the party.

Chun Ha-ram, acting party leader and floor leader of the Reform Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly this morning (the 31st) and stated, "In accordance with the procedures stipulated by the party constitution and rules, we will calmly and steadily prepare for the national convention to elect the next leadership without a hitch."

Previously, former leader Lee Jun-seok resigned from his position on the 26th, taking political responsibility for the defeat in the June 3 local elections.

Acting leader Chun said, "The results of the last local elections were too heavy and shocking for us," adding, "It was a stern warning that shook the very foundation of the party's existence, and a scathing whip handed down by the public."

He went on to say, "Amidst consecutive bad news and difficulties, such as the fabricated drama incident involving Jeong I-han that followed closely on the heels of the shock of the election defeat, we failed to properly pull the party together or present deep reflection and countermeasures that the public could understand," adding, "The Reform Party now stands before the greatest crisis since its founding."

After the crushing defeat in the local elections, the Reform Party has pushed for party innovation, such as launching a special organizational reinforcement committee and strengthening new media strategies, but it is reported that it failed to secure internal momentum in the process.

In a Q&A session with reporters, acting leader Chun said, "Once the next leadership is formed to a certain extent, we will devise and implement specific reform proposals."

Regarding speculations that nomination conflicts in the southern Gyeonggi region served as the background for former leader Lee's resignation, he explained, "Former leader Lee mentioned it at the idea stage, but there was no conflict." As for rumors of a merger raised by some circles, he drew a line, stating, "Not a single person inside has talked about pushing for a merger."

Due to the mass resignation of the leadership, the Reform Party is scheduled to enter preparation procedures to elect the next leadership, including the formation of a national convention preparation committee.

(Photo: Yonhap News)