Kim Jong-in Continues Meetings with Senior Lawmakers and Holds Lunch with Freshmen... "I Will Listen to Opinions Candidly"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the morning of the 10th, Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, met with senior party members and also had lunch with first-term lawmakers to openly listen to their opinions.

According to the United Future Party, on that day, Chairman Kim had lunch with first-term lawmakers at a restaurant in Yeouido and shared information related to the general election.

At this gathering, Chairman Kim said, "The fight against the ruling party was marked by a significant defeat in the metropolitan area," adding, "The opponent is reckless. They should not ignore the people's hearts, but they continue to take unreasonable actions. If our party fails, the balance of democratic politics will collapse. Please feel free to express your opinions," requesting them to voice their thoughts.

During the one and a half hour lunch starting at noon, first-term lawmakers expressed various views including their impressions of the general election. The United Future Party stated that meetings between incumbent lawmakers and floor leaders will continue to be held regularly.

Earlier, at the Emergency Committee Chairman-Senior Members meeting held in the National Assembly main building that morning, Chairman Kim also requested, "Senior lawmakers should express their opinions on the party's future path." The senior members' meeting was attended by four-term or more senior lawmakers including Floor Leader Joo Ho-young, Jeong Jin-seok, Seo Byung-soo, Park Jin, Kwon Young-se, Lee Myung-soo, and Hong Moon-pyo.

Meanwhile, as Chairman Kim attempts to break away from conservative identity by saying "Let's not use the conservative name," voices of opposition have emerged within the party. At the 'Republic of Korea Future Innovation Forum' held the previous day, led by Assemblyman Jang Je-won’s office, Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong compared Chairman Kim to a "mercenary" and "Hiddink," saying, "We must win wearing the conservative uniform, not by the power of mercenaries." Assemblyman Jang also likened Chairman Kim to a foreigner on Facebook, saying, "'I hate conservatives,' 'Don't use the word conservative' is a mocking irritation uttered by some outsider."

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