[Rising Star] United Party's Kim Mi-ae: "'A World Going Together' Is Not Exclusive to Progressives"

Kim Mi-ae, member of the United Future Party./Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Kim Mi-ae, a member of the Future United Party (Busan Haeundae-eul), was selected as the "Most Promising Rookie Elected by Rookies" in Asia Economy's survey of first-term lawmakers. It is significant that her fellow newly elected members, who have just begun their legislative activities, expressed the highest expectations for her.

In a recent interview with Asia Economy, Rep. Kim said, "I have always valued responsibility the most in life, and knowing that my fellow rookie lawmakers think the same way makes me feel an even heavier sense of responsibility."

The expectations placed on her symbolize the current state of Korean politics and the desirable direction for the future. She has an extraordinary background, including a difficult childhood, working as a female factory worker at 17, entering night college at 29, and passing the bar exam at 34. After becoming a lawyer, she is known to have worked on behalf of socially vulnerable groups such as victims of domestic and sexual violence, parentless children, single parents, people with disabilities, and the elderly. She is also a single mother raising a daughter "born from the heart" and a niece.

"Recently, I went back to my hometown with a friend and looked around the house where I used to live. That friend said, 'You really are a dragon born from a small stream.' Some people even call my life a 'miracle,'" said a passage from Rep. Kim's declaration of candidacy. The core of the expectations for her lies in the belief that she understands the hardships and sorrows of ordinary people better than anyone else, having overcome a challenging life. It also reflects the hope for change in Korean politics. People naturally want lawmakers who engage in politics as "stakeholders," rather than those who don't even know how to take the subway. She is also active as an emergency committee member of the United Party.

Rep. Kim describes herself as "a character rarely seen in conservative parties so far," and said, "'A world where we go together' is not the exclusive domain of progressives; it is actually a conservative value. If we have failed to realize that value, we must reflect deeply." She added, "It will be difficult to change overnight, but we must gradually change so that the people can feel it. The time of pain is something we must go through."

Still, what brings her great joy is proposing bills. She has already introduced bills guaranteeing paid leave for parents when educational or childcare facilities are temporarily closed due to the spread of infectious diseases. Rep. Kim said, "It is truly joyful to turn the urgent issues I have always shouted about and written columns on into reality. This is why I am a lawmaker," adding, "Although COVID-19 is prolonged, there are no regulations allowing working parents to take leave for a certain period, so I saw an urgent need for legal revision."

This also stems from her life experience. Watching her youngest child, a third grader, attend online classes, she realized "at least a week of a mother's presence is necessary," which was the hidden background for proposing the bill. Going forward, her legislative activities will focus on marginalized children. Rep. Kim said, "I hope all children in various environments such as single mothers, single fathers, adoptive families, and foster care are properly protected and raised," adding, "As a lawyer, I have encountered many heartbreaking cases. I intend to examine and change the overlooked corners of our society."

She also appealed, "We should not be complacent that only our own children grow well in a greenhouse; we must also care for and raise well the children outside the greenhouse. Only then can my child live in a healthy society." This reflects her painful experience of having to grow up without a mother.

Rep. Kim also carries the memory of her brother-in-law who passed away due to an industrial accident. She believes there is a need for a Serious Accident Punishment Act that criminally punishes business owners when workers die or are injured due to negligence in safety management.

There is no shortcut to a "changed National Assembly." Rep. Kim emphasized, "The National Assembly is often portrayed as always fighting, but mediating conflicts is also its fundamental role," and added, "We must show a thorough confrontation through policies, and when the National Assembly does not function properly, I intend to work diligently through research and data collection for legislation."

She faces a situation where she must confront the "super ruling party." She said, "More than 40% of the people supported the United Party, so it would be difficult if they refuse to engage in dialogue from the start. Public support is desperately needed."

Kim Mi-ae, member of the United Future Party./Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

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