Former Korean Party Leadership "Must Nominate Well"... Hwang Kyo-ahn "There Will Be Many Changes"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, sought advice on conservative unification and candidate nominations from former party leaders and emergency committee chairpersons about three months ahead of the April 15 general election.

On the 22nd, Hwang held a luncheon at a Chinese restaurant in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, with former Saenuri Party leader Hwang Woo-yeo, former Saenuri Party emergency committee chairperson In Myung-jin, and former emergency committee chairperson Kim Byung-joon. He explained the background of the luncheon, saying, "The country is in a very difficult situation, and the party is also struggling. I gathered this meeting to hear the wisdom of the leaders who guided the party well during tough times."

The former leaders who attended unanimously agreed that the Liberty Korea Party must conduct candidate nominations well above all else to win this year's general election.

Former leader Hwang Woo-yeo advised, "We must properly discover and nominate leaders who are in the hearts of the people and whom the people cherish." Former emergency committee chairperson In also emphasized, "This election is not just one among many; it is an election on which the fate of our country depends. There is nothing more important than conducting candidate nominations well." He added, "This is not the time for personal interests or factionalism. If personnel reform does not happen, criticism is deserved."

Former emergency committee chairperson Kim also advised, "It is not simply about a 50% turnover; it must be clearly communicated what the turnover is reflecting in terms of reflection." He said, "For example, there should be clear criteria such as excluding beneficiaries of past flawed nominations or those who do not align with the party's ideology and values so that the message is conveyed clearly." In response, Hwang emphasized, "There will likely be many changes this time as well."

Former chairperson In also voiced criticism regarding the conservative unification discussions.

He said, "I am quite worried about how far the unification will go now, and whether the so-called free right-wing conservatives, who are divided again, should really unify with whom. It is also hard to accept that a party with 8 seats (New Conservative Party) and a party with 108 seats (Liberty Korea Party) are negotiating one-on-one."

In added, "If you establish conservative values and agree with them, you unite; if not, you don't. How can you try to lump all people together as a ragtag group? If this leads to a unification that is neither fish nor fowl, it could disappoint the public." Regarding unification with the New Conservative Party, he said, "After the impeachment, we have been torn apart for three years, and looking at the process we have gone through, reconciliation and forgiveness are not things that can be easily brushed off as words. I ask Hwang and the Liberty Korea Party not to set the standards for unification but to unify according to the will of the people."

He also expressed concern, saying, "Otherwise, with no time left, there is a possibility of disappointing the public with a 'stake fight that ends in failure'." In response to voices criticizing Hwang within the party, In said, "Those are immature people," and especially urged that those in responsible positions within the party should refrain from publicly criticizing the current party leadership.

Former chairperson Kim also said, "What worries me most is the unfavorable impression rather than support." He added, "How can we reduce the unfavorable impression and increase expandability? Ultimately, it is a matter of unification. While it seems like progress is being made, I am also anxious and heavy-hearted." He said, "If we show a renewed image through candidate nominations, we can exercise leadership proportional to the party's power in unification and lead the election to victory. If I were to say more, I ask that through unification, a 'Capital Region Avengers Team' be formed to lead a great victory."

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