Kim Jong-in: "After the Funeral of the Late Park Won-soon, We Cannot Avoid Addressing the Victim Issue" (Comprehensive)

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@

[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 back and forth over the burial site of the late General Baek Seon-yeop, I wondered if our country is truly a normal nation." Regarding the sexual harassment allegations against the late Mayor Park Won-soon, he emphasized the need to resolve the suspicions, stating, "After the funeral, we cannot avoid discussing the victim's issue."

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

This was in response to the 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," adding, "It is difficult to understand and deeply regrettable that there is back-and-forth talk about 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," and 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."

He also raised his voice regarding the prevention of secondary harm and fact-finding related to the sexual harassment allegations against the late Mayor Park. Floor leader Joo said about the funeral, "There are movements of secondary harm concerning the victim, which must never happen," and added, "Our people must embrace and protect the suffering and pain of the powerless victim."

He continued, "Also, fake news is circulating that the victim was a staff member of former floor leader Na Kyung-won of our party," pointing out, "I hope there will be no fake news or shifting of responsibility related to the solemn funeral."

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, and Joo Ho-young, Floor Leader, along with other emergency committee members, are attending the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Chairman Kim also said in a meeting with reporters after the emergency committee, "Because it is during the funeral process, I cannot speak specifically, but after the funeral, we cannot avoid discussing the victim's issue." Regarding the controversy that arose immediately after the death of Mayor Park, when he said, "We need to prepare well for the Seoul mayoral election," he said, "Anyway, the by-election in April next year cannot be avoided," adding, "We have no choice but to gradually prepare for it."

At the United Future Party emergency committee that day, voices criticizing the government's real estate measures were also raised. Chairman Kim said, "Is there any chance of success in measures that try to tighten real estate by using taxation without solving the fundamental causes of rising real estate prices? I am very skeptical," adding, "When taxes are imposed, taxpayers adapt, and the burden on tenants inevitably increases."

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

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

He said, "The Democratic Party seems to think that only the things they want to do are considered working in the National Assembly, while the National Assembly's role in government oversight or the public's right to know is not considered work," criticizing, "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.