Lee Jun-seok to Step Down as Party Leader, Citing Fallout from June 3 Election Defeat and Jeong I-han Incident

[Financial News] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, said on the 26th that he would voluntarily step down as party leader. He said he was taking responsibility for the party's crushing defeat in the June 3 local elections and the alleged staged attack involving Jeong I-han, the party's Busan mayoral candidate.
At a press conference held that day at the National Assembly Communication Center, Lee said, "For a little over three months since the local elections, I have been reflecting on and proposing ways for the party to strengthen itself and reform." He added, "However, I did not receive enough support within the party."
Lee explained, "This is no one else's fault. The responsibility for failing to persuade others rests entirely with me as the party leader." He added, "There are political schedules ahead of us that cannot be delayed, and politics does not wait for anyone. I judged that we could not meet those deadlines without agreement on our direction."
He continued, "If I was instead blocking other members of the party from doing what they wanted to do, then stepping aside is the path I should choose for the sake of the party." He added, "As an ordinary party member and as the lawmaker for Dongtan 2 New Town, I will do what I need to do from my own place."
He also said, "I ask that you give even greater support to those who will lead the party next," and added, "Thank you for everything."
[email protected] Lee Hae-ram Reporter