Former Party Leader Asks Party for Changes

The former leader of the National Grand Party (GNP), Seo Cheong-won, directly criticized the present leader of the party, Choi Byung-ryul, about the report (A1, 3 page December 29) on the exposure of the results of a party affairs inspection on December 31, saying, “As data on the party affairs inspection was exposed in the press, a conspiracy to privatize the party was revealed. Mr. Choi must reveal the entire picture and apologize to the former district leader.”

Mr. Seo held a news conference in GNP headquarters that day and said, “a guidance division of the party must hold a meeting with lawmakers and district leaders and discuss the whole party’s administration” and also called for contributions to the National Treasury by the central headquarters of the party and the Cheon-an Training Institute; the dismissal of the Emergency Committee; and the ending of the Public Nomination Screening Committee’s activities.

In addition, lawmakers Ha Sung-bong and Kwon Ceol-hyun delivered 72 lawmakers’ signatures to Mr. Choi that day, calling for the Emergency Committee’s dismissal.

On the other hand, Mr. Choi carried out personnel changes, including Secretary General Lee Jae-o, the first vice secretary general Park Seun-kuk, and organizing director Lee Jae-hwan responsible for the exposure.

Secretary General Lee said in a press interview that afternoon, “I’m not directly involved the data exposure, but I will take full responsibility for the situation, as the preservation system is flawed.” He also insisted, “But a public reform of the GNP should be achieved despite all these difficulties.”

Yeon-Wook Jung jyw11@donga.com