Korean Party Launches Its Own Public Relations Committee... Keywords Are 'Rationality·Innovation'

Criticism of 'Zombie Party' by Kim Se-yeon and 'Mr. Harsh Words' Lee Seok-yeon Positioned
Determined for Fair Evaluation in First Meeting... Task of Forming Public Official Committee After Integration

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The Liberty Korea Party, which is pushing for conservative unification, launched its own nomination management committee on the 23rd, marking the start of the nomination system. After completing the composition of the nomination committee members the previous afternoon, they hurriedly held the first meeting that morning. As Kim Hyung-o, the chairman of the nomination committee, said, "It's already late," they seem to be accelerating the process. Chairman Kim stated, "These are people who have often thought deeply about whether our party has properly fulfilled its role," and vowed, "We will strictly evaluate with our conscience on the line."

Looking at the members of the nomination committee formed by Chairman Kim, they can be summarized as 'rational conservatives' and 'innovators.' Notably, they recruited Assemblyman Kim Se-yeon and former Legislative Affairs Officer Lee Seok-yeon. These individuals have been recognized for their strong reformist tendencies and firm convictions even within the conservative camp. It is analyzed that their tendencies will be reflected in the upcoming nomination screening process.

Assemblyman Kim drew attention last November when he declared he would not run in the general election and strongly criticized the Liberty Korea Party. He called the party a "zombie party that has lost its vitality" and advocated for reforms at the level of party dissolution. Because of this, he had to endure criticism within the party for some time. It is said that the mass resignation of key party officials a month later targeted Assemblyman Kim, who was still holding the position of head of the Yeouido Research Institute. He, who said he would prevent "unsavory attempts through opinion polls during the nomination process," is expected to take on a supervisory role through joining this nomination committee, a role he could not fulfill as the head of the Yeouido Research Institute.

Former Officer Lee, nicknamed "Mr. Bitter Words," has strongly criticized the Liberty Korea Party's "far-right moves." In a special lecture invited by the party in 2018, he openly criticized the lawmakers, saying, "If you continue to mistake a small far-right faction for the conservative force and settle for it, only spouting lip service that provokes the public, defeat is inevitable." Former Officer Lee is likely to check the "far-right moves" that fail to gain public sympathy during this nomination screening process as well. Chairman Kim said, "He is someone who does not compromise easily anywhere," and added, "It will be tough for me if he joins, but wouldn't it be good for the party? He is the person I appointed with the most difficulty."

The variable lies in the composition of the nomination committee after the unification of conservative forces. While Chairman Kim and the Liberty Korea Party interpret the appointments as considering unification with the New Conservative Party and others, there is also the possibility of a turf war over participation in the nomination committee after unification. The Innovation and Integration Promotion Committee, a body discussing unification, agreed to keep Chairman Kim as the head of the nomination committee for the unified new party but differed in opinions regarding the composition of the nomination committee members. In fact, there are demands to guarantee participation of minor parties and civic groups in the nomination committee of the unified new party.

Ultimately, it is highly likely that additional appointments will be made without replacing the existing members. According to the Liberty Korea Party's party rules, the nomination committee should be composed of no more than 10 members. Including Chairman Kim, there are currently nine members in the nomination committee. A key official of the Liberty Korea Party said, "If unification happens, they will likely add nomination committee members to reflect that," and added, "A complete overhaul or reorganization is an unacceptable option."

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