Kim Jong-in Rejects 'Extra-Parliamentary Struggle' Theory: "Shouting on the Streets Won't Solve Anything"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] As the United Future Party faces numerical disadvantage in the National Assembly, raising the need for an "extra-parliamentary struggle," Kim Jong-in, the party's Emergency Response Committee Chairman, emphasized that "shouting on the streets will not solve anything" and that lawmakers should not abandon their duties.

At the United Future Party's caucus meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 30th, Chairman Kim said, "It is the duty of lawmakers to make their best efforts to speak as much as possible in standing committee plenary sessions so that the public can understand the reality of the National Assembly."

Regarding recent criticism that the United Future Party is "not fulfilling its role as the opposition party," he said, "I have also heard such remarks outside recently," adding, "Then I respond by saying, 'The world today is different from the past.' Shouting on the streets does not solve the problem." He pointed out the limitations of extra-parliamentary struggles.

Chairman Kim said, "Looking at the recent developments in the National Assembly, it seems to be a typical example of how elected power destroys democracy," and added, "The democracy and economic success that are often talked about today were created by the people of the Republic of Korea, but it seems that power is enjoying itself based on the democracy and economy achieved by the people."

He continued, "When elected power moves toward authoritarianism and dictatorship, the end is obvious. History worldwide has proven this," and added, "Looking at the actions of those who claim to uphold democracy, they are practicing a democracy worse than any past regime. Even under the Yushin regime, the National Assembly was never operated like this."

Chairman Kim emphasized the importance of the United Future Party regaining public trust. He said, "If the legislature continues to be powerless and take undemocratic forms that are completely opposite to the will of the people, opposition forces will naturally form outside," and stressed, "Our people are not that foolish. You have no choice but to trust the people."

He added, "We are trying to lead changes in the party by thinking about how the United Future Party can regain the trust it lost from the people and how we must change," and said, "If the United Future Party does not change to the extent that the people can say, 'Now we can trust that party,' we must lead that change."

Floor leader Joo Ho-young said, "I do not like extra-parliamentary struggles, but I will not close the possibility," leaving room for consideration, but emphasized, "The most effective way to inform the people is still to question illegalities and propose alternatives within the National Assembly." He said, "With heavy rain causing a nationwide emergency, the vacation season, summer heat, and social distancing due to COVID-19, we are considering the timing and the method carefully."

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