Jin Joong-kwon: "Democratic Party's 586 Generation Already Established Interests... Belief in 'Reform Forces' Is an Optical Illusion"

Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized the 586 generation, including politicians affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "The fact that the 586 generation has become the mainstream means that the elite class representing that generation has become the social, economic, and political vested interest class."

On the 16th, Jin wrote on his Facebook, "'The Cho Kuk incident' shows that they have reached the stage of passing down the privileges and vested interests they have built up to the second generation," he said.

He said, "I see a strange 'overlapping state' in them. On one hand, they are still reform forces, but on the other hand, they are already vested interest forces," and pointed out, "What I saw through the 'Cho Kuk incident' was their persistent desire for 'vested interests' that had been hidden until now."

He continued, "Perhaps they themselves still believe that they are reform forces fighting against the vested interest class," and argued, "The maintenance of this false consciousness is, of course, due to the existence of the past vested interest forces, namely the United Future Party. It is a kind of optical illusion."

He added, "In fact, until this administration took office, they existed as a resistance force against conservative power for about nine years. The mindset and rhetoric from that time are continuing out of inertia," and criticized, "'Candlelight Revolution,' 'Eradication of Deep-rooted Evils,' and 'Prosecution Reform' are slogans that those in power should not be shouting. When they hold the executive, legislative, and even prosecution personnel authority, what kind of campaign is needed?"

Professor Jin said, "They held power for 10 years under the past two administrations and have already held power for three years under this administration. They have more than enough time to deeply root their vested interests in society," and added, "Looking at the declared assets of lawmakers in their 20s, there is no big difference between the Democratic Party and the United Future Party. On average, the Democratic Party side is higher."

Regarding the progressive party movement, he advised, "We need to start again from the recognition of this situation where the past reform forces have already solidified into vested interest forces."

He emphasized, "When their reforms are genuine, we should join them, but when they disguise their vested interests and cover up their corruption under the pretense of reform, we must firmly criticize them," and stressed, "We must give up the idea of riding on them and boldly present progressive agendas while clearly defining our own identity."

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