United Party Expands Outreach to Progressives and Honam... Shocking Personnel Appointments in Secretariat

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, continues to take bold steps day after day. The United Future Party appears to be gearing up to expand its reach in the metropolitan area and Honam region. After securing issues such as basic income, which were originally considered exclusive to the progressive camp, the party consecutively appointed metropolitan area election losers as Secretary-General and Deputy Head of Organization.

On the morning of the 4th, Chairman Kim stated at the Emergency Committee meeting, "I think it is time to fundamentally review the issue of basic income," adding, "We must establish policies with unprecedented determination. Only then can we ensure the stability of the people and protect the social community." However, at a press conference held that afternoon, Chairman Kim explained that "claiming that basic income can be implemented immediately under a deficit fiscal situation is nothing but an illusion," emphasizing the need for long-term policy research.

Regarding the issue of tax increases, Chairman Kim said, "Even now, the public feels the tax burden is heavy, so we cannot discuss it recklessly." On the introduction of a super-rich tax proposed by the Justice Party, he commented, "How much revenue can be secured? That alone cannot fund extensive welfare."

The United Future Party appointed former lawmaker Kim Seon-dong and Ham Kyung-woo, the party committee chairman for Goyang in Gyeonggi Province, as Secretary-General and Deputy Head of Organization, respectively. Both ran unsuccessfully in the last general election in Dobong-eul, Seoul, and Goyang-eul. It is unusual that the Secretary-General position, traditionally held by senior incumbent lawmakers, was given to a non-incumbent. The Deputy Head of Organization also holds symbolic significance as he comes from Honam, a humble background, and party staff. The Deputy Head of Organization is a key position responsible for managing constituencies and handling candidate nominations. This move is seen by some as a strategic step by Chairman Kim to consolidate control over the party organization.

Despite opposition within the party labeling his actions as a "left turn" or "quasi-Democratic Party," Chairman Kim is pushing forward with his bold approach. It appears he judges that establishing an identity that transcends ideology and region is urgent ahead of the 2022 presidential election. At a lecture for first-term lawmakers on the 3rd, Chairman Kim urged, "Please consider why the 30-40 age group and Honam region are ignoring the United Future Party." He added, "Would people from Honam living in the metropolitan area vote for a party that does not even field candidates in their hometown?" On the same day, spokesperson Kim Eun-hye said at a briefing, "Regarding Honam, youth, and women, we must adopt an approach that allows for creative and disruptive innovation," and indicated that there would be further discussions at the Emergency Committee level.

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