Kim Byung-min: "Jeonggang Will Embrace Both Industrialization and Democratization... Four-Term Re-election Limit Under Discussion"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Byung-min, Chair of the Future United Party's Special Committee on Party Platform and Policy Revision, announced that the new party platform will include recognition of both industrialization and democratization. Regarding the four-term consecutive re-election limit, he only stated that it is currently under discussion.

On the 5th, Chair Kim introduced the first sentence of the party platform on BBS Radio's 'Park Kyung-soo's Morning Journal,' saying, "It includes a sentence that states we strive for national unity beyond conflict and division and do not reject the past based on factional logic."

He said, "It means that we should equally appreciate the contributions of both industrialization and democratization," and regarding some party members who belittled the May 18 Democratization Movement, he said, "There were remarks by a very small number of members, and even now, when I think about that time, I feel deeply sorry to the people."

He added, "It is our duty to evaluate both contributions equally, not only to avoid belittling the democratization movement but also in the same manner," and "Perhaps other parties, including the Democratic Party of Korea, might face similar criticism if they make disparaging remarks about industrialization."

He also stated that discussions on reform and social minorities will be included. Chair Kim said, "When people think of conservative parties, they might have misunderstandings or prejudices that they are always stuck in preserving the past," adding, "The fundamental value of conservatism is to protect what we cherish, especially our community, and if necessary, leading reforms is also the spirit of conservatism."

He continued, "Regarding issues like low birth rates, if the current situation continues, the very existence of our national community will face a crisis, so we must make every innovative effort possible," and added, "Efforts for social minorities are also being carried out for the development of the community."

Regarding whether the party platform will include a provision to prevent four consecutive terms in a single electoral district, he replied, "The top 10 policy tasks following the party platform are currently being implemented," adding, "There are many ongoing discussions, and the four-term consecutive re-election limit in electoral districts has been proposed as one of the opinions, with discussions about its advantages and disadvantages."

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