Kim Young-woo: "People's Party Members Joining United Party Not Under-the-Table Communication... Individual Moves"

Shim Jae-cheol, floor leader of the United Future Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 27th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Young-woo, a member of the United Future Party, recently explained that there was no behind-the-scenes communication regarding the group decision of the People's Party lawmakers, known as the 'Ahn Cheol-soo New Party,' to join the United Future Party. He said it was closer to a self-help measure to increase their chances of winning.

On the 28th, Kim appeared on tbs radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' and stated, "Former leader Ahn Cheol-soo should have shown a clearer vision, philosophy, and direction, but although he criticized old-fashioned parties and politics, his own brand was somewhat absent this time."

Kim explained, "Even now, they talk about 'let's do new politics,' but there is no substance to that new politics. And since the possibility of success is realistically assessed as low, those inside seem to be coming to the United Future Party."

However, he made it clear that this movement was not through behind-the-scenes contact with the United Future Party. When asked if there was communication with the United Future Party regarding this move, he said, "I don't think so with the United Future Party. It is an inevitable self-help measure," and explained, "individual admissions."

He also added the opinion that a full investigation of politicians is necessary amid the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Kim said, "Many professions involve contact with many people, but politicians, in particular, meet many people," and added, "It is election season now, so we try not to shake hands as much as possible, but still, we don't know. If possible, it would be reassuring to have politicians undergo testing once."

He continued, "Especially if there is no fever or contact with confirmed cases, testing is not provided," and added, "I inquired yesterday, and they said, 'Without special symptoms or contact, it is almost impossible now.'"

Regarding the presidential impeachment petition surpassing 1.15 million signatures, he pointed out, "There are many petitions supporting the president as well, but in this situation, everyone must do their job and role, but that aspect has somewhat collapsed," and said, "Administration and policies must gain the trust of the people, but that trust has actually been greatly broken."

When asked if Representative Hwang Kyo-ahn should say something about Shincheonji, he said, "If a message is given about a specific religious group, it is dangerous to frame it as orthodox versus heresy, or Christianity versus religion," and emphasized, "There have been several messages from the official party requesting cooperation with Shincheonji and that a proper investigation must be conducted."

He added, "They say they will secure the Shincheonji list and conduct a full investigation, but there is no information on how this will be done," and continued, "Confirmed cases have occurred in many religions. Although there are some differences in worship methods between Shincheonji and other denominations, there is skepticism about whether this is effective."

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