PPP nomination body collapses, new committee to take over

Apr 01, 2026, 08:54 am

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Lee Jung-hyun, chairman of the nomination management committee of the People Power Party, bowed after announcing his resignation at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on March 31. / Yonhap News

The nomination management committee led by Lee Jung-hyun of the People Power Party resigned en masse on March 31, with the party set to form a new committee to oversee upcoming by-elections.

Lee and all committee members stepped down after reaching a consensus with party leadership that a newly formed body would be better suited to handle the nomination process for parliamentary by-elections, often referred to as a “mini general election.”

The outgoing committee concluded its final task by announcing primary results in cities with populations exceeding 500,000. It also indicated it would cease efforts to recruit Yoo Seong-min for the Gyeonggi governor race, stating it would respect his decision not to run.

Speaking at party headquarters in Yeouido, Lee said, “We determined that, aside from a few regions and the Gyeonggi governor nomination, we had essentially fulfilled our responsibilities. After discussions with party leadership, we decided to resign collectively and establish a new committee.”

He acknowledged shortcomings in the nomination process, saying, “We were unable to include everything or complete the process fully.” However, he added that the committee had made efforts to suggest a new direction for the party’s future.

Lee emphasized attempts to make the committee independent from party interests, noting that while not perfect, it represented “a step forward.” He also pointed to strong backlash—including protests and legal challenges—as evidence that the committee had disrupted entrenched practices.

The committee had previously faced internal conflict and controversy during the nomination process, prompting Lee to resign once before returning to the role after persuasion from party leader Jang Dong-hyeok. Despite leadership backing, resistance from key figures who were cut from nominations persisted.

Taking responsibility, Lee said, “I will bear the full weight of any shortcomings and the pain caused to those affected,” expressing hope that the process would serve as a starting point for political reform rather than merely a competition.

The new committee will be formed through approval by party leadership and the supreme council. It is expected to inherit unfinished matters, including the Gyeonggi governor nomination and unassigned regions, while taking full charge of by-election nominations.

Prior to the resignation announcement, the committee finalized candidates for four district mayoral races: Kim Hyun-gi (Gangnam), Seo Kang-seok (Songpa), Kim Jin-sun (Gangseo), and Kim Yong-hwan (Dalseo).

Regarding Yoo, the committee stated, “We made efforts through various channels concerning the Gyeonggi governorship, but we will respect his decision, and there will be no further contact.”

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