Kim Jong-in "Is it a normal country to fuss over the burial site of the late General Baek Seon-yeop?"

Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, is attending the appointment ceremony of the Central Committee chairpersons held at the National Assembly on the 13th, taking a commemorative photo with the chairpersons. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, expressed regret on the 13th, saying, "Seeing the political circles argue over the burial site of the late General Baek Seon-yeop, I wondered whether our country is truly a normal nation."

At the United Future Party's Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly main building that morning, Chairman Kim said, "The late General Baek made remarkable contributions to saving the country, which was on the brink during the Korean War."

This came amid controversy between ruling and opposition parties over whether the late General Baek's burial site should be at Seoul National Cemetery or Daejeon National Cemetery. He said, "On behalf of the party, I offer my condolences to the late General Baek. It is difficult to understand and deeply regrettable that there is so much debate over deciding the burial site for such a person."

Floor leader Joo Ho-young also said, "I believe the president can make a decision to enshrine him at Dongjak-dong National Cemetery (Seoul National Cemetery). Since there are still two days left before the burial, I urge President Moon to make a decision." He added, "I request a state or social funeral so that more citizens can mourn and express gratitude, and I respectfully ask President Moon to attend the funeral."

Regarding the funeral of the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, he said, "There are movements of secondary harm toward the victim, which must never happen. Our people should embrace and protect the pain and anguish of the powerless victim." He continued, "Also, fake news is circulating that the victim was a member of the former floor leader Na Kyung-won's staff from our party." He criticized, "I hope there will be no spread of fake news or shifting of responsibility related to the solemn funeral."

Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, is attending the emergency committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

At the Emergency Committee meeting that day, voices criticizing the government's real estate measures were also raised. Chairman Kim said, "I am very skeptical that measures to tighten real estate through taxation without addressing the fundamental causes of rising real estate prices will succeed," adding, "When taxes are imposed, taxpayers adapt, and the burden on tenants inevitably increases."

He continued, "I also do not understand the Minister of Strategy and Finance, who oversees taxation, showing unconditional cooperation with the measures proposed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Looking at the real estate measures, I cannot help but doubt whether our ministers, including the Minister of Land, have the capability to lead economic policy. If they cannot solve problems with their own abilities, it is wise to leave their positions."

Floor leader Joo demanded that the Democratic Party hold the Legislation and Judiciary Committee to investigate the Optimus private equity fund and the abuse of power by Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae. He said, "The Democratic Party claims to be a 'working National Assembly,' but in reality, they are neglecting the Assembly. We requested the Political Affairs Committee to investigate Optimus and other private equity funds, and asked for the Legislation and Judiciary Committee to be convened to investigate the abuse of power by Minister Choo, but all have been blocked by the Democratic Party."

He criticized, "The Democratic Party seems to think that only the things they want to do constitute a working National Assembly, and that the Assembly’s role in government oversight or the public’s right to know is not work. They established the Corruption Investigation Office, quickly passed the third supplementary budget, but refuse to handle these essential matters."

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