Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok to step down

Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok is reportedly set to step down as party leader Wednesday to take political responsibility for the minor party’s defeat in the June 3 local elections and the controversy surrounding Busan mayoral candidate Jeong I-han, who allegedly staged an attack on himself.

Lee is expected to hold a news conference at the National Assembly’s press center Wednesday morning to announce his resignation as party leader.

The Reform Party fielded numerous candidates in the June 3 local elections, including candidates for metropolitan and municipal government chief posts, but managed to secure just one seat on a local council.

The party’s political standing was further weakened after Jeong, who ran for Busan mayor, was arrested and indicted on charges of staging an attack on himself.

Jeong claimed that he suffered a serious injury after being assaulted while campaigning during the morning rush hour in Geumjeong District, Busan, on April 27. During the incident, a man was accused of shouting insults before throwing a drink. The man fled the scene but was later apprehended by police.

After the incident, Jeong's camp told media outlets that the candidate had fallen and had been diagnosed with a concussion at a hospital. The camp referred to it as a political attack. 

Jeong subsequently campaigned while wearing a neck brace and also submitted a petition to the police requesting leniency for the man accused of throwing the drink.

However, during the investigation, police later found signs that Jeong and the man planned the incident, raising suspicion. Jeong was referred to prosecutors last month. 

With efforts to overhaul the party making little progress, Lee reportedly decided to step down to take political responsibility for the setbacks.

Separately, Lee and the party’s floor leader Chun Ha-ram had been scheduled to meet Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok on Monday during Kim’s introductory visit to the Reform Party following his inauguration. The meeting, however, was canceled that day due to “internal party circumstances.”

BY HYEON YE-SEUL [[email protected]]