Members of the People Power Party are chanting slogans to denounce the proposed special prosecutor for the withdrawal of prosecution. [Yonhap News]

The People Power Party reaffirmed its party platform opposing constitutional amendments before the June 3 local elections, one day before the National Assembly's vote on the ruling bloc's phased constitutional amendment proposal.

Kwak Gyu-taek, the party's floor leader, informed reporters that this decision was reached during a party meeting held at the National Assembly.

Floor Leader Kwak stated, "We have once again confirmed our party's opposition to the constitutional amendment bill scheduled for tomorrow's plenary session. Considering the importance of constitutional amendment discussions, we have decided to release a statement signed by all People Power Party members tomorrow, denouncing this amendment as unjust."

When asked if they would boycott the plenary session vote on the amendment scheduled for the 7th, he replied, "We will discuss it tomorrow."

Park Sung-hoon, the chief spokesperson, also met with reporters during the party meeting and said, "It is highly probable that the decision will be to not enter the plenary hall. We oppose the hasty pursuit of a new constitutional amendment for political purposes, especially when President Lee Jae-myung has not clarified his position on a potential second term, and the Democratic Party is not even adhering to the current constitution."

In a commentary, Spokesperson Park criticized, "The 'phased constitutional amendment' mentioned by Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae is essentially a declaration to use the constitution as a shield to cover up President Lee's failures. This approach of hastily processing only some provisions without sufficient consensus and deferring the rest is a declaration of intent to selectively utilize the constitution as needed."

Yoo Sang-beom, the deputy floor leader, met with reporters and announced that the party meeting resolved the following: ▲ resolute opposition to the Democratic Party's proposed "Withdrawal of Prosecution Special Prosecutor Act" ▲ opposition to all unconstitutional and illegal attempts to withdraw the prosecution of President Lee ▲ a united struggle with all political parties, civil society organizations, and conscientious citizens who oppose the withdrawal of the president's prosecution ▲ urging the judiciary to immediately resume the five trials involving President Lee.

Regarding participation in the constitutional amendment vote on the 7th, he stated, "Since the Democratic Party unilaterally pushed for the amendment in conjunction with the local elections without sufficient discussion and deliberation, the majority of our members believe it is inappropriate to participate in the vote."

However, it was reported that there were some arguments during the closed-door party meeting regarding the party's stance against the constitutional amendment.

Rep. Han Jia, a member of the "Pro-Han" faction, reportedly stated that the party platform was being imposed in a top-down manner and suggested collecting opinions through anonymous voting. In response, Rep. Yoo Sang-beom countered that opinions had already been gathered multiple times and asked, "Why are you in the party if you are not going to follow the party line?"

Following this, Rep. Han told reporters that she had not yet decided whether to vote for or against the amendment, but added, "As a constitutional organ, I will participate in the vote."

In response, Deputy Floor Leader Yoo stated, "The party platform was not formed all at once but over a considerable period. It is up to the individual to sufficiently judge whether it is right to express individual opinions on matters decided as party policy."

It is reported that Reps. Kim Yong-tae and Cho Gyeong-tae, who were initially in favor of constitutional amendments themselves, are also negative about participating in this vote.

There are also opinions within the party that disciplinary action should be considered if some lawmakers do not follow the party line and vote in favor of the amendment.

Meanwhile, the Freedom and Innovation Secretariat announced in a press release that Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn would begin a hunger strike against the constitutional amendment after holding a press conference near the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin in Gwanghwamun on the same day.