Jisangwook Returns as Yeoyeon Director... "I Will Build a Trustworthy and Beloved Party"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Ji Sang-wook, the newly appointed head of the Yeouido Research Institute of the United Future Party, stated, "We will not discuss policies and values based solely on our limited knowledge or thoughts," and pledged to transform the party into one trusted and loved by the public.

On the 30th, Ji met with reporters at the National Assembly Communication Office and said, "There is no future unless we are reborn as a party that receives the trust, love, and support of the people."

He added, "I do not deny that the values and policies pursued by the United Future Party in the past were rejected in this general election," and said, "Restoring trust is the shortcut for us to gain power in the 2022 presidential election."

He continued, "We want to seek all answers from the people. We will not discuss policies and values based solely on our limited knowledge or thoughts," and added, "I will not cling to the position of head of the Yeouido Research Institute, and even if difficulties arise in the future, I will restore the status and value of Korea's first party policy research institute."

Ji said, "We will support policies that will create a wave of new politics not with our heads but with our hearts and with practical data obtained from the people," and added, "Through this, we will devote everything to enable the Yeouido Research Institute to serve Korea, revive the United Future Party, and build a foundation for victory in the presidential election."

Founded in 1995 as Korea's first party policy research institute, the Yeouido Research Institute faced calls for dissolution following consecutive general election defeats. Regarding this, Ji said, "If necessary, we will change and innovate what needs to be changed within our current reality to achieve the goal of restoring trust," and added, "After reviewing the current status and issues of the research institute, we will create a plan on how to lead it through careful consideration and consultation."

The United Future Party previously appointed Lee Kyung-jun, an artificial intelligence (AI) expert and professor at Kyung Hee University, as head of the Yeouido Research Institute but withdrew the appointment amid controversy over his past defense of former lawmaker Cha Myung-jin's offensive remarks. On this, Ji said, "As an engineer, based on my experience studying and researching databases, big data, and Silicon Valley, I believe policies backed by scientific data can be advocated," but refrained from further comment.

Kim Jong-in, the United Future Party's emergency committee chairman, reportedly emphasized 'creativity and passion' to Ji. Chairman Kim said, "As an engineer from Silicon Valley and a political and policy leader, please present creative alternatives," and added, "What politics needs these days for the people is imagination, creativity, and passion." He also urged Kim Soo-min, head of the publicity department, to "play a role in improving the party's new image, including the party name change. Please dedicate your passion with creative imagination."

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