Rising Voices for 'Self-Strengthening Theory' Inside and Outside the United Future Party... The Direction of the Party's Official Stance

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] With the election of Joo Ho-young as the new floor leader, discussions about the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee' have gained momentum, and voices advocating for a 'self-strengthening theory' are rising both inside and outside the United Future Party.

Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo stated on his Facebook on the 9th, "The political career of former Chief Election Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in as a political architect has come to an end," asserting this view. Until the 17th of last month, he had positively evaluated the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee,' but changed his assessment after Kim raised the 'generation of 40s' theory.

Former leader Hong said, "Floor leader Joo Ho-young should stabilize the party as acting leader and move forward with the self-strengthening theory," adding, "Do not make the mistake of clinging to an old politician over 80 who can no longer control greed and emotions. We can no longer watch him lead the United Future Party into a quagmire by prioritizing unreasonable personal feelings."

Since running as an independent candidate in Daegu Suseong and winning in protest against the party's nomination process, former leader Hong has been actively voicing his opinions on internal party matters. As Floor Leader Joo also holds a positive stance on the reinstatement of independent elected members, it is not easy to dismiss former leader Hong’s opinions regarding the emergency committee as merely voices from outside the party.

Three-term lawmaker Jang Je-won also supported the self-strengthening theory on Facebook the same day, saying, "We need to confirm Kim’s clear intention regarding his temporary appointment as emergency committee chairman until August, and if he expresses refusal, this discussion should end without delay," and added, "If another emergency committee only causes further disputes and controversies, it is best for Floor Leader Joo to concurrently serve as acting party leader and establish a strong Innovation Committee."

Lawmaker Jang said, "This will be a good opportunity for us to show that we can reform ourselves," and continued, "Let’s form the Innovation Committee including first-term, second-term, third-term, and non-parliamentary figures to analyze the causes of four consecutive defeats, reflect, reform, and derive a new vision ourselves."

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