Kim Hyung-o: "I Will Have Full Authority Over Nomination Management... A Korean-Style Complete National Primary System Is Needed" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Kim Hyung-o, the chairman of the nomination committee of the Liberty Korea Party, stated on the 17th, "We must ensure fairness in candidate selection," emphasizing fairness and transparency, and announced that he would conduct the nomination review with full authority delegated to him. However, he stressed that the current complete national primary system could limit public participation and that a Korean-style complete national primary system should be adopted.

◆Need for a Korean-style Complete National Primary System = At a press conference held at the National Assembly main building on the 17th, Chairman Kim said, "We must be fair in managing candidate nominations. The nomination committee will handle this fairly and show what fairness truly means." He pointed out, "Many words have been misused, polluted, and distorted by this administration, notably justice, fairness, equity, democracy, and equality, especially fairness."

He continued, "It must be transparent. While we cannot scrutinize everything like looking through glass, we will act independently and neutrally," adding, "We will not be swayed or interfered with by anyone, and I will stake my position as chairman of the nomination committee on this."

When asked about the need for a shake-up among veteran lawmakers, he replied, "Since we are managing nominations, rather than a shake-up, we should focus on recruiting many new faces," emphasizing, "Changing the water depends on political and institutional reforms. I believe the 21st National Assembly should show a renewed and reshuffled parliament, and we will make every effort to bring many new talents into our party."

Regarding senior party leaders, including former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo, officially declaring their candidacy in the Yeongnam region, the party's support base, he said, "We will deliberate and discuss not only with the nomination committee members but also with these individuals and others," adding, "We will deliberate and consider thoroughly, but I believe it will not take a long time."

On the complete national primary system under consideration by the Liberty Korea Party, he said, "The complete national primary system, as seen in the U.S. House of Representatives elections held every two years, often results in incumbents being re-elected, which is not always good," and added, "We need to move toward a Korean-style complete national primary system. The election is imminent, and resources are limited, so we must accomplish this impressively. I expressed concerns about whether the technical aspects are sufficient."

Chairman Kim stated, "Currently, under the complete national primary system, citizens cannot participate," and questioned, "We must actively review the system overall. Shouldn't we create a system that attracts youth and women to the Liberty Korea Party? How can we proceed with the election as it is?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆"Hwang Kyo-ahn said he would give me full authority" = He emphasized that he received full authority over nominations from Representative Hwang. Chairman Kim said, "Representative Hwang told me he would give me full authority," adding, "Without full authority, how can I work without interference? If he trusts me, he will trust me to the end without change." He added, "However, since we are all human, there may be shortcomings and misunderstandings, which can be resolved through communication before and after."

He expressed agreement with the cause of unification and stressed that those leading the unification should approach it with a more urgent attitude. Chairman Kim said, "It is natural for the opposition parties to unite. The presidential power is becoming imperial, and the separation of powers is almost collapsing," emphasizing, "Under a presidential system with such overwhelming power and no accountability, democracy cannot function properly if the opposition is divided."

He said, "Only by flying with both wings can the Republic of Korea move forward properly. That is why we talk about opposition unification, not a fight over positions," and appealed, "I ask those discussing unification to adopt a more desperate and earnest mindset to protect the Republic of Korea."

Chairman Kim said, "One more thing, time is running out," adding, "I thought I should take on the nomination committee chairmanship after seeing the unification, but if I delay this, the unification process will be further delayed." Regarding the election planning team's proposal of a 30% cut-off and 50% shake-up, he said, "Proposing rules like a certain percentage is not easily acceptable," and added, "We should not set barriers for anyone who wants to join. We will review this carefully."

Regarding the possibility of demands to replace the nomination committee chairman during the conservative unification process, he said, "I do not see this as a prestigious position but as a role I came to take on with determination," adding, "This is not a great honor. Again, I have a more earnest stance on unification. If an agreement is reached before the Lunar New Year, I would have nothing more to wish for, and I hope the principles of unification are confirmed."

Chairman Kim also gave a harsh remark to senior lawmakers at last year's retreat, calling it "a season perfect for dying." Regarding this, he said, "I felt heartache thinking I might have been too harsh, but since I spoke from a desperate and earnest heart, I believe the lawmakers who heard me understood," emphasizing, "I am truly sorry and grateful for the 12 Liberty Korea Party members who declared they would not run, making a great decision, and we must show a figure that surpasses the valley of their sacrifice and dedication."

Regarding opposition within the Innovation and Integration Promotion Committee (Hyuktongwi), which is pushing for conservative unification, against the nomination committee chairman, he said, "If it is for unification, since it is connected to nominations, I would take on any role, but the official organization's role cannot be infringed upon," adding, "I think it is proper to silently support."

On specific cut-off criteria, he said, "I hardly know first-term lawmakers, but I know almost all lawmakers with three or more terms," adding, "It could be a handicap or an advantage, but I will completely exclude personal feelings."

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