Kim Jaewon: "Saebosu Party Should Discuss Integration in Innovation Committee Rather Than Party-to-Party Talks... Backdoor Negotiations Possible"

Kim Jae-won, Policy Committee Chairman of the Liberty Korea Party, is announcing the general election pledges related to housing promises at the National Assembly on the 16th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jae-won, Policy Committee Chairman of the Liberty Korea Party, expressed his opposition in principle to the New Conservative Party's demand for a party-to-party consultative body, stating that "there should be frank discussions within the Innovation Integration Promotion Committee (IIPC)." However, he left room by saying, "I will not block the behind-the-scenes negotiations themselves."

On the 17th, Kim appeared on tbs radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' and responded to questions about the New Conservative Party's consultative body by saying, "It would be better if the IIPC, which was formed with difficulty, operates well and produces various positive results, as well as the best outcome for conservative integration."

He said, "Through a difficult process, a promotion organization for conservative integration was established. During that process, those with political intentions even resigned to avoid misunderstandings and launched the committee," adding, "Although the New Conservative Party has various difficulties, it is not right to block the behind-the-scenes negotiations with our party itself, but it would be better if frank discussions take place within the IIPC and reasonable proposals are derived there."

Kim explained, "Basically, it is right to maintain the existing framework, but if there are things that cannot be discussed there, we can talk through other communication channels, and we should proceed in a comprehensive manner," adding, "If we meet one-on-one and discuss separately, that would mean going through the merger procedure, but then the overall integration of the conservative camp could be delayed."

When asked whether the Taegeukgi faction would be included in the integration roadmap, he said, "The New Conservative Party members have strong opinions, so the priority is to integrate first with the New Conservative Party figures, including Representative Yoo Seung-min," adding, "If our Liberty Korea Party joins together with the Our Republican Party during that process, the integration would become too complicated and difficult, so we will first complete the integration work with those currently participating in the IIPC and then proceed to the next stage."

Regarding the formation of a proportional representation party and the scenario where current Liberty Korea Party district lawmakers run under a newly formed party while the Liberty Korea Party remains as a proportional party, he said, "It is realistically difficult," explaining, "In such a case, the party's organization, assets, and continuity cannot be handled so simply," expressing a negative view.

Regarding recent media reports about Kim's controversial remark that "the police should provide designated driver services instead of conducting drunk driving checks," he clarified by saying, "It is a characteristic of rural areas," adding, "In some cases, police stations even put up banners saying, 'Do not drink and drive; if you call us, we will provide a designated driver service.'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.