South Korea’s two main parties began a new chapter on Thursday as both announced major floor leader resignations. Notably, Rep. Park Chan-dae of the Democratic Party and Rep. Kweon Seong-dong of the People Power Party each stepped down within hours of one another. Meanwhile, these floor leader resignations follow the inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung after Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Consequently, political momentum now shifts toward internal elections and restructuring within both parties. Ultimately, each leader outlined different visions for the future before departing their posts.
Park used his resignation to announce a bid for party leadership, describing his tenure as a “glorious journey” with the public. Previously, he became floor leader in May 2024 and briefly held acting chair after Lee left to campaign. Furthermore, Park, a close aide to President Lee, emphasized the party’s transformation into a “responsible ruling party.” Accordingly, he argued that the Democratic Party must now focus on unity, livelihood, and economic recovery. Moreover, his remarks highlighted a continued push to pursue controversial investigations tied to the previous administration.
He defended the party’s three special counsel bills, each reintroduced after being vetoed by former President Yoon. Indeed, Park declared that these probes marked the strongest challenge to the Yoon administration. Additionally, President Lee has since signed all three: investigations into an alleged insurrection, Kim Keon Hee’s conduct, and a Marine’s suspicious death. Park, in turn, credited party persistence for achieving this legislative outcome. The Democratic Party will hold its leadership vote on Friday.
Meanwhile, Kweon criticized Yoon’s failed December martial law attempt and condemned it as politically reckless. Still, he distanced himself from Yoon, despite long being labeled as part of his camp. Moreover, Kweon explained that he helped launch the administration but never received favors or special treatment. Therefore, he urged the People Power Party to overcome internal divisions and seek unity. His floor leader resignation came after the party’s defeat in the snap presidential election.
Kweon, who first served as floor leader in 2022, held the post again since December. Ultimately, his final message emphasized party reform and individual lawmaker responsibility. Meanwhile, the People Power Party now faces leadership questions amid internal strife and electoral loss. With both major parties undergoing floor leader resignations, a significant power shift is underway. All eyes now turn to the upcoming Democratic Party leadership vote and PPP’s future direction.
