Joo Ho-young: "'Working National Assembly' We Also Agree... Will Visit Kim Jong-in Soon"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Joo Ho-young, the new floor leader of the United Future Party, hinted at the possibility of cooperation by saying "We also agree" to Kim Tae-nyeon, the new floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who called to "create a working National Assembly." Regarding the 'Kim Jong-in emergency committee,' he said he would gather opinions within the party but also stated, "I will visit former general election campaign committee chairman Kim Jong-in soon."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly main building on the 8th, Floor Leader Joo said, "There are many urgent issues that the National Assembly must handle in this national crisis situation."

He said, "We also agree with a working National Assembly. We will check if there are any issues with the articles or practical operation regarding when and how to hold meetings and provide an answer." Regarding the new floor leader Kim, he said, "I think he is an excellent person. He has a lot of negotiation experience and has served as the policy chief, so I believe he will do well. I have expectations that he will create a good framework for coexistence and cooperation with us." He also expressed his intention to meet with the new floor leader Kim soon.

Floor Leader Joo said, "This is a golden opportunity for the two major parties to create a National Assembly of coexistence and cooperation," adding, "If an accident happens, people can leave one by one, but if everyone tries to leave at once, they get stepped on and cannot leave. It may take time, but I earnestly tell the ruling party that persuading the opposition through coexistence and cooperation can be faster than pushing through by force."

He continued, "We also acknowledge the current number of seats and will boldly cooperate where necessary," adding, "However, I hope the ruling party keeps in mind that ignoring minority voices and other opinions could cause serious problems in national governance."

Regarding the plenary session held that day, he said, "Since it is happening today, we will discuss the current issues," but explained, "I am the 21st floor leader starting from the 30th, and until the 29th, it is the 20th National Assembly members, so I need to check whether I can represent them." Regarding the handling of the 'Basic Act on Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation Amendment Bill' (Past Affairs Act), he said, "I will organize opinions within the party," and added, "The existing negotiations between standing committee secretaries should be respected."

Regarding the 'Kim Jong-in emergency committee' issue, he said, "We intend to gather consensus as soon as possible and establish the leadership system." When asked when he would meet former chairman Kim, he replied, "There is no plan yet, but I will meet him soon."

He said, "An early party convention could be problematic. Holding a convention before August without party reorganization and with uncertain opening negotiations is problematic as it lacks reflection and remorse," adding, "In that case, the emergency committee is one option. We will gather opinions within the party and consult with former chairman Kim to find a solution as soon as possible."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the merger with the Future Korea Party, he said, "The sooner, the better," and "I will consult with the leadership." On the same day, the Future Korea Party proposed a 2+2 meeting between ruling and opposition parties to abolish the semi-proportional representation system, to which he responded, "I have not heard the details yet, so I will understand the content and respond."

On whether to join hands with the People’s Party before the presidential election, he said, "I have seen reports that if there are matching policies, they are willing to cooperate with any party," adding, "We feel the same way. Politics is about integration, and groups that make many comrades succeed. It is desirable for many political forces to unite ahead of the presidential election."

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