Shin Dong-geun: "Democratic Party Must Guard Against 'Incompetence' and 'Division'... Establish the Corruption Investigation Office Even If It Requires Changing the Law"

Interview with Shin Dong-geun, Democratic Party Supreme Council Candidate
"Unity is important especially in difficult times" amid Democratic Party approval rating decline
"We must quickly complete prosecution reform and focus on the economy... Will promote laws related to economic democratization"
President Moon's request for '4th attempt, 5th time' to "win in difficult regions"

Shin Dong-geun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed on the 14th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] "The party must be wary of 'incompetence' and 'division' especially in difficult times. If the establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (Gongsa-cheo) continues to be delayed, it must be completed through 'amendment of the main law' at the September regular National Assembly session."

Shin Dong-geun, a candidate for the Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said in an interview with Asia Economy on the 18th that the reason he has taken on the role of a 'public sniper' targeting those who recently criticized President Moon Jae-in is because "the lower the party's approval rating, the more likely division acts as a centrifugal force rather than a centripetal force. I believe unity is necessary especially in difficult times." He added, "Due to the nature of the media, this debate is being distorted into how to think about specific individuals. For example, in the case of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, whether or not the person Yoon exists, the essence of prosecutorial reform is that the exercise of prosecutorial power must be democratically controlled."

Regarding the recent drop in approval ratings, he said, "There was a slight display of complacency after the general election. There is a need to enhance the party's crisis management capability," but added, "While it is necessary to correct wrong aspects, it is not desirable for internal party strife or expressions aimed at showing (individual lawmakers') presence."

Shin emphasized, "The greatest fear for a ruling party is 'incompetence'." He said, "In the past, the Uri Party failed to complete the four major legislative tasks. The next leadership will select 100-day and 6-month legislative tasks and prepare for the next presidential or local elections based on achievements." As a member of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, he also expressed the view that the Gongsa-cheo must be launched within the September regular session. Shin said, "If Gongsa-cheo cannot be established by the regular session, then if necessary, even by amending the main law, Gongsa-cheo must be properly launched. We need to focus on economic democratization and people's livelihood, but power reform must be quickly settled. If the United Future Party's reformist change of stance is sincere, I believe they will cooperate before the main law is amended."

Shin expressed his intention to focus on 'economic democratization-related legislation' after prosecutorial reform is completed. He gained attention for his speech titled "I am the real tenant" opposing United Future Party lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook's speech at the plenary session on the 4th when the 'Three Lease Laws' were passed. He said, "The 20th National Assembly did not promote any economic democratization laws because it was pushing prosecutorial reform," and added, "We will push for the passage of laws related to chaebol governance issues, amendments to the Fair Trade Act and Commercial Act, and laws related to coexistence between large and small businesses." He continued, "We have recently received endorsements from labor unions," and said, "In a situation where economic inequality and polarization are worsening, sustainable economic growth is impossible. It is necessary to solve problems based on principles especially in difficult times."

Shin Dong-geun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed on the 14th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Shin is regarded as a 'persistent fighter with four failures and five attempts' within the party. He ran four times in Incheon Seo-gu and Ganghwa-eul, considered a stronghold of progressive parties, and was elected only on the fifth attempt. He said at the time, "President Moon Jae-in also came during his time as party leader and tied my shoelaces, saying he hoped I would definitely win in this difficult area, and former President Roh Moo-hyun said that people like Shin Dong-geun, who kept failing like a fool, should succeed," adding, "I will become a Supreme Council member who plays a role when the party is in difficulty, just as I have overcome challenges with persistence, stamina, and grit without fearing failure."

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