“We will humbly accept the will of the people expressed in the general election and do our best to renew the state affairs and stabilize the economy and people’s lives,” said President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea secured large majority in the general election, crushing the ruling People’s Power Party.
The Democratic Party of Korea won 175 seats in the general election, maintaining its position as the sole majority party. The People’s Power Party won 108 seats, the Fatherland Innovation Party 12 seats, the Reform Party 3 seats, the New Future Party 1 seat, and the Progressive Party 1 seat.
The presidential office added that Prime Minister Han Deok-soo has verbally tendered his resignation from the post, and the presidential staff has also tendered their resignations, with the exception of the security office.
When asked how President Yoon understands the reasons for the defeat, a senior presidential office official said, “President Yoon believes that whatever the outcome is, it is the people’s evaluation of his government’s performance since before the election began,” adding, “We will take time to reflect on the results.”
Han Dong-hoon, chairman of the People’s Power Party General Election Committee and Emergency Plan Committee, resigned from his post on April 11, taking responsibility for the defeat. “I accept the will of the people and deeply reflect on it,” Han said, adding that he will continue his political career.
Han held a press conference at the People’s Power Party in Yeouido, Seoul, at 11 a.m. on April 11, saying, “The people’s will is always right. I apologize to the people on behalf of my party for falling short of the people’s choice,” he said, adding, “I will accept the will of the people solemnly and reflect deeply, starting with myself.”
“Therefore, I take full responsibility for the election results and step down as chairman of the Emergency Plan Committee,” Han said. “I would like to congratulate all the winners, including the opposition, and ask them to govern in accordance with the will of the people.”
Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, “It’s not a victory for the Democratic Party, but a great victory for our people,” in response to the outcome of the 22nd parliamentary election, in which the party secured a sole majority.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Korea for their support for the Democratic Party to exceed the majority target in this general election,” Lee said at the party’s central headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, earlier in the day.
“The Democratic Party of Korea will fulfill the precious will of the people in each and every vote,” he said, pledging that the 22nd National Assembly will take the lead in protecting the people’s today and opening a better tomorrow.
“The current situation is not so easy that we can enjoy the joy of our party’s victory or election,” he said, emphasizing that even after the election, we must always listen to the voice of the sovereign with a low and humble attitude.
“The sovereignty of the Republic of Korea lies in the people and all power comes from the people, so please take the principle of national sovereignty to heart and endeavor to practice it in your daily political activities,” he said.
