Hwang Kyo-ahn "Let's Have a One-on-One Summit with President Moon"... Blue House "No Proposal Received" (Comprehensive Report 2)

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, holds a New Year's press conference on the 22nd at the Yeongdeungpo Central Party Office in Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Ji-eun Lee, Hye-min Kim, Sun-hee Son] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, revealed on the 22nd his plan to pursue constitutional amendments encompassing a parliamentary system after winning the general election, aiming to check the presidential system’s excessive powers. He emphasized that the core of party innovation lies in candidate selection and called for sacrifices from those in leadership positions.

He proposed a one-on-one summit meeting with President Moon Jae-in as the leader of the main opposition party, but the Blue House stated that they have not received any concrete proposals.

On the day, Hwang held a New Year press conference at the party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, demanding a summit meeting, saying, "Since I took office as the leader of the main opposition party, I have no memory of meeting alone to discuss current issues." He added, "I have requested several times but received no response. I strongly urge that the president no longer be criticized as a closed government that ignores the voices of the people by refusing to meet opposition leaders."

In response, a Blue House official said, "We learned about the (summit meeting) proposal through the media," adding, "No specific proposal has been received."

Hwang raised his voice to stop the presidential system’s excessive powers through constitutional amendments that include a parliamentary system. He said, "Based on a landslide victory in the general election, I will push for constitutional amendments that fundamentally prevent the presidential system’s excessive powers," adding, "This is to create a legal foundation for South Korea to achieve sustainable development without being hindered by politics." Regarding the direction of the constitutional amendment, he explained, "There will be a major issue whether to control the president or adopt a parliamentary system, but whatever it is, no individual should wield absolute power and arbitrarily manipulate state affairs."

In this context, Hwang advised President Moon, "Become the president of the Republic of Korea entrusted by the people under the constitution," and urged, "Stop destroying the constitutional order, stop dividing our country, and break free from the clutches of specific factions and camps."

He also revealed an innovation plan centered on youth candidate selection. He said, "I will change everything until the people are satisfied and say it is enough," adding, "We have created the most innovative candidate selection criteria, but to complete candidate selection innovation, the spirit of sacrifice from those in leadership positions, including myself, is absolutely essential. We must systematically focus and exert party power for a winning general election." This remark targeted senior figures from the Yeongnam region, such as former party leader Hong Joon-pyo and former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho, who are preparing to run in the Yeongnam area.

Earlier, the Liberty Korea Party’s general election planning team announced candidate selection criteria that would cut off one-third of district lawmakers and replace up to 50% of incumbent lawmakers. They also promised to nominate 30% young politicians in their 20s to 40s to create a youthful party.

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, holds a New Year's press conference on the 22nd at the Yeongdeungpo Central Party Office in Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

He emphasized, "I will take any role starting with myself. The Candidate Selection Committee Chairman will be fully responsible for and exercise all authority over candidate selection," granting full authority. He continued, "Along with innovation, integration will definitely be achieved," adding, "We will achieve the integration of all forces opposing the Moon Jae-in administration. Integration is an obligation."

Hwang appealed, "In the April general election, the people must ultimately decide whether to judge the Moon Jae-in administration and reclaim a Korea of freedom and prosperity or to allow the Moon administration’s reckless behavior to continue," urging, "Please take part in the security judgment, economic judgment, real estate judgment, and political judgment against the Moon administration."

He stressed, "Victory in the general election will be the starting point of a great transformation, and we will first reverse the election law and the High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Office (HOCI) law that were rushed through last December," adding, "We will also restore the precious constitutional values of freedom, justice, fairness, and equality that the Moon administration destroyed." Hwang added, "When dreams and hopes are revived, the national division caused by the Moon administration’s factional politics over the past three years will also be healed," and earnestly requested, "For that day, I sincerely ask for a decisive judgment against the Moon administration and overwhelming support for the Liberty Korea Party."

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