Before the Launch of the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee'... Challenges and Party Concerns Over 'Indefinite' and 'Full Authority'

"Kim Jong-in's Emergency Committee is the Best"... Expectations Exist but
Concerns Grow Within the Party Over 'Indefinite Term and Full Authority' Demands... Shim Jae-chul Clarifies "Not an Indefinite Term"
External Figure with Weak Base in United Party... Can They Succeed by Embracing Veto Forces?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] The United Future Party has decided to entrust the party's recovery after its crushing defeat in the general election to the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Response Committee,' but a difficult process is expected before its launch. The key issue is whether former Chief Election Committee Chairman Kim will accept the party's request. Inside the party, dissatisfaction has already begun to emerge regarding the way the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Response Committee' was decided, as well as concerns about its term and authority.

Acting Party Leader Shim Jae-cheol plans to meet with former Chairman Kim on the evening of the 23rd to request that he accept the position of Emergency Response Committee Chairman. He intends to convey the decision made by the party's incumbent lawmakers and the majority of the 21st general election winners to former Chairman Kim. It is expected that former Chairman Kim will reach a conclusion by around the 24th at the latest. If he accepts, the United Future Party will transition to an Emergency Response Committee system through a national committee meeting around the 28th.

The reason the United Future Party decided to switch its leadership system to an Emergency Response Committee and bring in an outsider, former Chairman Kim, is because they see no alternative. The early party convention, which was mentioned as another option, was feared to be perceived as starting a power struggle immediately after the election defeat. Lawmaker Shin Bo-ra emphasized, "This is a time for reflection and repentance," adding, "For now, the Kim Jong-in Emergency Response Committee is the best choice."

Party insiders who place their hopes on the Kim Jong-in Emergency Response Committee focus on the impact of its messaging. One official said, "The message delivery is good. The messages are clear, so even difficult topics can be conveyed easily," adding, "The fact that messages come out within a reasonable scope also helps reduce anxiety."

However, concerns are growing simultaneously. First, there is dissatisfaction about whether it is appropriate for the Supreme Council, mostly composed of defeated candidates, to decide the next leadership system. Lawmaker Jeong Jin-seok, who succeeded in his fifth term, pointed out on his Facebook the day before, "It's like someone leaving the house insisting on remodeling the interior." Criticism that alternatives must be found within the party still persists. Lawmaker Kim Tae-heum said, "Bringing in an outsider to take charge of the party shows a lack of autonomy."

In fact, in political circles, there are concerns about whether an outsider without a base within the party can persuade dissatisfied factions inside the party and lead innovation. The challenges facing the Kim Jong-in Emergency Response Committee cannot be solved by visible changes such as factional reorganization or replacing party district committee chairpersons alone. The party's philosophy and constitution must be changed to ultimately transform it into a party with many candidates capable of running in the presidential election. It is a difficult innovation task to lead and mediate intense discussions within the party to help it find its footing and to maintain this posture even after the Emergency Response Committee system ends.

Former Chairman Kim's statement that he needs 'full authority without term limits' is interpreted as related to this, but there is also strong internal opposition to a party operation method led by a single individual. Lawmaker Kim Young-woo, classified as part of the non-Park Geun-hye faction, criticized on his Facebook, "An Emergency Response Committee Chairman with full authority is truly an undemocratic idea," calling it "a lamentable matter." Newly elected lawmaker Jo Hae-jin of the 21st general election said on YTN radio, "The first-term lawmakers, who have no direct responsibility for the party's defeat, are determined to show a new face to the people, but this sounds like an authoritarian statement saying 'Follow without question, do as you're told,'" and questioned, "What kind of reform can come from such an idea?"

However, Acting Leader Shim Jae-cheol distanced himself from reports that former Chairman Kim demanded unlimited full authority. Shim told reporters at the National Assembly that day, "I have not seen anything about 'unlimited' authority," and questioned, "Did he ask for full authority? Did he say 'unlimited'?" He added, "Asking for full authority is a matter of representative authority, and saying 'unlimited'?before the party convention in July or August, wouldn't it be excessive for the Emergency Response Committee?"

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