MDP Leader Hahn Hwa-gap’s Resignation

Rep. Hahn Hwa-gap, chairman of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), resigned the leadership at a press conference in the MDP building at Yoido Sunday, under the pressure from the party’s reform-minded lawmakers. His resignation comes after 10 months when he was elected the leader in the party’s convention on April 27 last year.

Upon his resignation, Chyung Dai-chul, one of the highly probable successors, automatically took over the leadership. The MDP is expected to discuss the plans of the special reform committee as well as the formation of the temporary leadership, at a top representatives’ meeting on Monday, a general assembly on Wednesday, and an executive committee meeting on Thursday.

Rep. Hahn said in the press conference, “Amid the growing confrontation and conflict in the party even before the victory of the presidential election, I have a sense of self-destruction. But I decided to resign as chairman of the party to give those emerged as the heroes of the new history an opportunity to contribute to the development of the party.”

“Although many held me back from resigning, calling it irresponsible, I figured that remaining as MDP chairman would have no meaning because I won’t be able to accomplish my mission as the leader,” he added. “I hope that my resignation will help cure the disruption and confrontation in the party so that the new government can accomplish reasonable reform and national unity.”

However, targeting the new mainstream and reformists in the party, he advised that an MDP’s reform should be reasonable and bring togetherness. “As they expand the territory of the reformist mainstream, they should make clear the target of reform.”

Yong-Gwan Jung yongari@donga.com