PPP floor leader offers to resign over local elections defeat

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- The floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Friday offered to resign over the party's recent local elections defeat, urging the embattled party to make a "fresh start."

Rep. Song Eon-seog announced his resignation after the PPP won only four out of the 16 key mayoral and gubernatorial seats up for grabs in Wednesday's elections, though it managed to secure the key battleground of Seoul.

"I am stepping down from my position as floor leader today," he said.

"This week's elections were a great victory for the wise people of our country," he added. "I believe our party also needs a fresh start in support of the will of the people."

Rep. Song called on the PPP to swiftly elect the next floor leader so that the party can "move vigorously forward again."

His resignation offer comes amid growing calls within the party for leader Jang Dong-heyok to step down and take responsibility for the party's crushing defeat.

Rep. Jang apologized for the "disappointing" outcome of the elections on Thursday.

Rep. Song Eon-seog, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, speaks during a general meeting of party lawmakers at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 5, 2026. (Yonhap)