United Future Party, Emergence of '3040 Flag Theory'... Plans for Youth Emergency Committee

Generational Change Gains Momentum as Reform Plan After General Election Defeat
Kim Se-yeon: "'830 Generation' (born in 1980s, 30s) Should Lead the Party"
Uncertainty Remains Whether Older Generation Will Step Back Amidst Deadlock in Emergency Committee Formation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Within the United Future Party, the '3040 Generation Flag Theory' is emerging. It is an argument that the leadership should delegate authority so that young politicians can lead the party. Amid the perception that voters no longer choose the party, there is talk of the need for a comprehensive party reform through generational change. There are also calls for the formation of an emergency committee centered on those in their 30s and 40s, as well as for young politicians to organize into a force.

The person who brought this up in earnest is Representative Kim Seyon. In a radio interview on the 20th, Representative Kim argued that the '830 Generation' should lead the party. The 830 Generation refers to those born in the 1980s, in their 30s, and those who entered university after 2000. He said, "A rapid generational change to the 830 Generation will be the driving force to overcome the current crisis."

This aligns with the thoughts of former General Election Committee Chairman Kim Jongin, who is being considered as the party's emergency committee chairman. Kim has emphasized the emergence of a new political force involving those born after the 1970s. Regarding the figures needed for party revival after the general election defeat, he once said, "I hope someone born in the late 1970s with the qualities to innovate will emerge."

Kim Woong, the elected representative for Seoul Songpa Gap, who gained attention with the '3040 Generation Flag Theory,' also lent his support. In a phone call, he emphasized, "The party is in a situation where it needs a change akin to a shock." However, regarding his own role, he said, "I might be a bit old myself. It is right for younger people than me to take the lead," and added, "If young politicians come to the forefront, I will work hard to support them from the side."

They emphasize the formation of an emergency committee centered on the 3040 Generation as the first task to transform the party's structure around young politicians. It is difficult to overcome the barrier of established incumbent politicians with strong organizational bases through a method of forming new leadership via party member voting. The intention is to launch an emergency committee composed mostly of young politicians to facilitate a natural transfer of authority. In fact, if the party concludes on a 'Kim Jongin Emergency Committee System,' it is known that Kim is considering a plan to put young politicians within the party at the forefront.

This is interpreted as targeting figures such as Jo Seongeun, CEO of Brand New Party, Kim Jaeseop, CEO of Gachioreum, and Cheon Haram, leader of Young Conservatives, who joined the United Future Party during the conservative unification process. They are also preparing to organize forces so that the voices of the younger generation can be conveyed to the party. Former leader Cheon said in a phone call, "Whether officially or unofficially, a separate youth emergency committee should be considered," emphasizing, "It is important not to just have one or two young politicians in the emergency committee, but to instill the perception that their voices represent the entire youth and common-sense discussions."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, the party is drifting without even deciding on the formation of the emergency committee, and there are skeptical views about whether incumbent lawmakers centered on the older generation will voluntarily help the emergence of young politicians. In fact, many incumbent lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction with the 'Kim Jongin Emergency Committee System,' calling for an early party convention centered on the elected representatives.

Regarding this, Representative Shin Bora emphasized, "Isn't it time to take innovative and disruptive measures? I want to ask for this; the Kim Jongin Emergency Committee is the best choice for now," adding, "I hope our party will accept the heavy results of the defeat, reflect on itself, and move toward a wise system capable of change."

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