"My conclusion is that it is time to give junior colleagues more opportunities. Being the most senior lawmaker within the party, I plan to defend the new leadership," Suh, who represents the so-called pro-Park faction, said in a statement.

"The convention should be aimed at reconciliation and healing (the scars of the factional rivalry)," Suh added. "If the convention sparks another seed of conflict, the party cannot hold onto power (in the next year's presidential election)."

Earlier this year, Suh also played a crucial role in the formation of the new National Assembly, calling on the ruling party to look at the bigger picture and asked the leadership to yield the parliamentary speaker's seat to the main opposition. (Yonhap)