Future United Party in Chaos... Both Emergency Committee and Leadership in Uncertainty

Shim Jae-cheol, Acting President of the United Future Party, and lawmakers attended the election countermeasures committee disbandment ceremony held at the National Assembly on the 17th, bowing their heads in greeting before the event began. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] After the crushing defeat in the April 15 general election, the United Future Party, tasked with "reform," is struggling to find direction regarding the transition to an Emergency Response Committee (ERC). Although the proposal to appoint former Chief Election Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in as the head of the ERC is gaining momentum daily, there are also strong opposing voices within the party. Opinions are divided on how long the ERC system should be maintained.

On the 20th, Cho Kyung-tae, a Supreme Council member of the United Future Party, said on BBS Radio's "Lee Sang-hwi's Morning Journal," "There are many opinions hoping that former Chairman Kim takes on the role of ERC head," and evaluated that it would not be bad for Kim to assume the position. Representative Kim Se-yeon also appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," stating, "We need to first accurately recognize and diagnose the current situation, so if we go with the ERC system, former Chairman Kim is the most suitable candidate."

Earlier, Acting Party Leader Shim Jae-cheol personally visited former Chairman Kim to request that he take on the role of ERC head, creating a strong atmosphere within the United Future Party where the "Kim Jong-in card" is once again being seriously considered. He can represent the moderate voters and has a track record of managing the party as the head of the Democratic Party's ERC in the past.

However, there are also opinions opposing bringing in an external figure for party reform. Representative Kim Tae-heum wrote on his Facebook on the 18th, "It is deeply regrettable and shameful that Acting Leader Shim and some of the leadership unilaterally decided on the ERC system and that Shim met with former Chairman Kim," adding, "The party's direction should at least be decided after hearing the opinions of the elected members."

The United Future Party plans to hold a members' meeting in the afternoon to gather opinions regarding the leadership system. It is highly likely that internal disagreements over the "Kim Jong-in system" will erupt at this meeting as well.

Voices calling for an early party convention centered on the elected members are also emerging. Supreme Council member Cho proposed an early party convention 1 to 2 months ahead of the August date stipulated in the party's rules, saying, "Extending the period too long may not suit the nature of the ERC." However, if this happens, former Chairman Kim would only have about 2 to 3 months to serve as the head of the ERC. Considering the physical time constraints, it remains uncertain whether Kim will accept the ERC head position.

With the party leader having resigned and all Supreme Council members except Cho Kyung-tae losing their constituencies, the competition for party leadership has intensified. Especially, with Floor Leader Shim stepping down, the vacant floor leader position is being contested by three-term Representative Kim Tae-heum, four-term Representative Lee Myung-soo, and independent Representative Kwon Seong-dong, who is seeking to rejoin the party. Five-term Representative Joo Ho-young has also kept his options open, and Supreme Council member Cho expressed his willingness in a radio interview that day, saying, "If given the role, I am ready to dedicate myself."

Amid the leadership competition, calls for self-reflection have also been raised. Representative Kwon Young-se pointed out on his Facebook, "Inside and outside the party, discussions only focus on forming a new leadership. What we must do first is a thorough reflection on 'why we lost.'" Representative Jang Je-won also said, "Now, everyone must empty themselves. Everyone is guilty."

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