Kim Byung-min, Emergency Committee Member, on Kim Jong-in's "Let's Not Use the Word Conservative": "It's Not Abandoning Conservatism"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Byung-min, a member of the Future United Party's emergency committee, commented on Kim Jong-in, the party's emergency committee chairman, recently saying, "Let's stop using terms like conservative, progressive, or moderate." He stated that this does not mean abandoning conservatism, but rather "the spirit and values of conservatism should be internalized, and the agenda of change and innovation must be prioritized."

On the 1st, Kim appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" and said, "There might be misunderstandings that we are removing the conservative color or abandoning conservatism. As Chairman Kim's wording suggested, if we only talk about conservatism in words, it is not true conservatism."

He added, "It is necessary to engrave the true spirit of conservatism in our hearts and make efforts to resonate the values conservatism pursues with the people. However, if ideological aspects are placed as the highest priority and politics is conducted as if in confrontation, how much sympathy can we draw from the moderate camp or people somewhat detached from politics?"

Kim Byung-min said, "The spirit and values of conservatism should be internalized, and more importantly, since our national community must prepare for the future ahead, the agenda of change and innovation should be given top priority."

He also cited the failure to win the hearts of the 30s and 40s generation and the metropolitan area as a cause of the general election defeat. Kim said, "The party might have moved somewhat ideologically and centered on the support base that strongly backs the party, which calls for reflection. We must consider what role our party has played in the necessary changes for South Korea to advance and develop, and whether it has ever been a party that stood by those in hardship."

Regarding allegations of "election manipulation" raised by some within the party, he emphasized the need to send a warning message. Kim stated, "There have been various incidents during the past period that made the public frown at our party. If the public feels that the party should not go this far, it is necessary to deliver a clear warning message."

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