PPP Floor Leader Song Offers to Resign After Party Wins Only 4 of 16 Key Races

Rep. Song Eon-seog, floor leader of South Korea's main opposition People Power Party, offered to resign on June 5 following the party's performance in local elections held three days earlier. Song spoke at a general meeting of party lawmakers at the National Assembly in Seoul.

He said he would step down the same day and called for the party to elect a successor quickly so it could move forward. The PPP won four of the 16 key mayoral and gubernatorial seats contested on June 3, Yonhap reported. The party captured the key battleground of Seoul but lost most other major contests.

"I am stepping down from my position as floor leader today," Song said. "This week's elections were a great victory for the wise people of our country. " Song's offer came as calls grew inside the party for leader Jang Dong-heyok to resign over the results.

Jang apologized for the "disappointing" outcome on June 4. Song urged the party to act swiftly on a new floor leader so it could resume vigorous activity.