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Former People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo and party lawmakers attend a national ceremony during the disbanding event of the People Power Party’s central election campaign committee for the 21st presidential election at the party’s headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on June 4. / Source: Yonhap News

Following its loss in the 21st presidential election, the People Power Party (PPP) on June 4 acknowledged that “internal division and conflict” were key factors in the defeat, and called for introspection, structural reform, and party unity.

At the party’s election campaign committee disbanding event held at its Yeouido headquarters, interim leader Kim Yong-tae said, “We must ask ourselves again: Why did we suffer such a defeat? Why did the people turn a deaf ear to our truths? Why has the name ‘conservatism’ failed to offer hope to the public?”

Kim continued, “We must start over with a mindset of dismantling ourselves. We should boldly cast aside the shell and return to politics of common sense and responsibility. We must transform into a rational conservative party that speaks for the future and embraces all citizens.”

Co-chair Na Kyung-won said, “Given the difficult circumstances and the late start we had, this was the best result we could achieve with a candidate we deeply value. We simply did not have enough time to properly introduce a very good candidate to the public.”

She added, “As the party undergoes change, I believe the Democratic Party’s unilateral dominance—beginning with tomorrow’s moves to control the judiciary—will continue. In this context, we as the opposition party must reflect on our true purpose.”

Co-chair Cho Kyung-tae was more blunt, stating, “Frankly, the decisive reason for our defeat was the division within the conservative camp. I witnessed undemocratic behavior within the party, such as silencing dissenting voices in caucus meetings. That kind of division contributed directly to our loss.”

Co-chair Kweon Seong-dong, while humbly accepting the defeat, stressed the need for rebuilding party solidarity. He pointed to the Democratic Party’s cohesion during the election, saying, “Look at how Democratic Party members united behind a morally and ethically flawed candidate like Lee Jae-myung. They rallied for his victory without discord. We should take that as a lesson and reflect on ourselves.”

Co-chair Yoon Sang-hyun echoed the sentiment, saying, “The key lesson from this defeat is that we can no longer afford to remain mired in division and conflict. Now is the time for innovation, reform, and unity.”

Calls also emerged for an external review to guide the party’s renewal. Co-chair Lee Jung-hyun proposed establishing a “joint leadership council” to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the party. “Even small companies turn to outside consultants when they face difficulties, but this party—one of national importance—has never undergone a proper external review. That is deeply regrettable,” Lee said.