Kim Jong-in "Polarization Will Widen Due to COVID Resurgence... Provinces Will Face Greater Difficulties"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun, Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, expressed concern that the polarization could worsen due to the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 20th, at the United Future Party Innovation Agenda Forum titled 'Overcoming Division and Despair Towards the Future,' Chairman Kim said in his congratulatory speech, "The impact of the second wave of COVID-19 on the economy is not insignificant."

He said, "The most worrisome issue is whether the severely spread polarization will widen further," adding, "If the poverty rate in South Korea, which is already high, increases, I am skeptical whether Korean democracy can be properly maintained in a socially unstable situation."

Chairman Kim also noted, "The economic situation in provincial cities seems to be even more difficult compared to the metropolitan area," and criticized, "In fact, this government has failed to properly establish real estate policies and has been so absorbed in that that it seems to have little room to consider other policy matters."

He also called for reform within the United Future Party. Chairman Kim said, "When you ask about the United Future Party in the provinces, the response is, 'What you say sounds plausible, but can we really trust you? We don't have much faith,'" adding, "Because we have a history of almost betraying the people once, such comments are inevitable, but this time the United Future Party must demonstrate the capability to take power."

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