[Reporter’s Notebook] A New Path for Tonghapdang

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The United Future Party recently surpassed the Democratic Party of Korea in public opinion polls, receiving particularly more support from the moderate faction. The Gwangbokjeol Gwanghwamun rally became an opportunity for the United Future Party, which had enjoyed a breath of fresh air after a long time, to demand a clearer path. On the 18th, the United Future Party criticized Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, the head pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, whom they had previously protected, clearly drawing a line by stating, "He is a person unrelated to us."

Before the general election, former United Future Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn had shared schedules with Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon and joined forces with the so-called 'Taegukgi Unit,' which pushed through the main gate of the National Assembly at the end of last year, raising his voice by saying, "We must protect the Republic of Korea at the risk of our lives. We will take the lead. We hope you will join us." However, the United Future Party effectively declared a break with Pastor Jeon through a statement by party spokesperson Kim Eun-hye. The rally organizers sharpened their criticism against the United Future Party for drawing a line, saying, "They are ignoring the anger of the people."

Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, showed a different approach from former leader Hwang Kyo-ahn since he took charge of the general election headquarters. After the crushing defeat in the general election, the 'Kim Jong-in administration' of the United Future Party is evaluated to have accelerated its course correction. Voices calling for a departure from the 'asphalt conservatism' grew louder. While some expressed concerns about the dilution of traditional conservative colors, Chairman Kim has led the party on a different conservative path by advocating the need for basic income introduction and protection of socially vulnerable groups.

Above all, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent flood damage, the party focused on addressing the disheartened public sentiment. Lawmakers, including floor leader Joo Ho-young, visited flood-affected areas to engage in recovery activities, and Chairman Kim's visit to Garak Market to listen to voices from the field was symbolic. The party planted an image prioritizing people's livelihood over ideology.

On the 18th in Daegu, Chairman Kim directly criticized former President Park Geun-hye, saying, "During the 2012 presidential election, she made promises to the people but committed the mistake of erasing every word after being elected." He is not advocating for a pardon, as some suggest, but rather presenting a profound reflection on the impeachment. This was a series of unprecedented moves completely different from the United Future Party's previous actions.

The United Future Party, which even inscribed the significance of the May 18 Democratic Movement in its new party platform, is at a point of interest as to whether its bold moves in seeking a new path will further evolve.

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