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Rep. Song Eon-seok of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) holds a bouquet after being elected as the party’s new floor leader during a general assembly at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 16. / Photo by Lee Byung-hwa

The People Power Party (PPP) elected three-term lawmaker Song Eon-seok as its new floor leader on June 16. Representing Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province—a traditional conservative stronghold—Song won 60 out of 106 votes, defeating Kim Sung-won (30 votes) and Lee Hun-seung (16 votes).

Song, who began his public service career in 1986, has held key positions within the party, including chief policymaker and senior deputy floor leader. Known as an expert in economic and fiscal matters, he is expected to chair the Strategy and Finance Committee in the first half of the 22nd National Assembly.

Although he is considered relatively neutral, Song was previously aligned with pro-Yoon factions under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. His latest victory is believed to have been backed by members from the traditional pro-Yoon bloc and lawmakers from the TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) region.

In his policy speech before the vote, Song stressed the need for stable party leadership and called for an early national convention to elect a new party leadership through a popular vote. He also pledged to establish an internal innovation committee aimed at dismantling entrenched factionalism.

Speaking to reporters, Song said, “We need to swiftly build consensus and avoid selecting figures known for factional bias.” He added, “My personnel appointments will reflect balance and meritocracy. I will do everything I can to ensure no side is favored.”