"Joljak" "Bloody Purge"... Jang Je-won Sharpens Criticism Again at 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee'

On the 2nd of next month, the revised New Principles and Policies face criticism for "lack of clarity and realism"
Opposition to party audit calls it "truly cruel, exercise restraint"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Jang Je-won, a member of the Future United Party known within the party as the 'Kim Jong-in sniper,' has once again criticized the party leadership. This time, he openly opposed the upcoming party audit starting early next month and the replacement of the party's platform and policies.

On the 30th, Jang posted a series of critical comments directed at the party leadership on his Facebook page.

He harshly criticized the new platform and policies scheduled for revision at the Standing National Committee on the 1st and the National Committee on the 2nd of next month, calling them a "botched job."

Jang said, "They are much less clear and realistic than the platform and policies made six months ago," and pointed out that the phrase "a party that creates everyone's tomorrow together," which is the opening sentence, is "unclear about what kind of 'tomorrow' it refers to." He argued that the previous platform's opening sentence, "Inheriting and developing the proud history of the Republic of Korea, which has advanced through liberal democracy and market economy," more clearly expresses the party's identity.

He also claimed that the mention of "basic income" at the beginning of the policy is "putting the cart before the horse." Jang stated, "The Republic of Korea should consider basic income systems and others to create a warm community while developing based on a robust free market economy."

Regarding the political reform task of banning four consecutive terms for National Assembly members but applying the rule only from the 21st National Assembly election as the "first term" without retroactive effect, he sharply criticized it as "cowardly." He said, "Bringing up an issue that may only be feasible 12 years later as reform is nothing but populism that deceives the public."

Jang wrote, "It seems that a lot of thought was put into it, but the obsession with change and trying to include too many things made it somewhat greedy," adding, "The revision of the platform and policies should go through a more in-depth internal party discussion process." This is interpreted as his intention to actively voice opposition during the future opinion-gathering process among party-affiliated lawmakers.

Three hours later, he posted again on Facebook, this time criticizing the party audit.

Jang said, "Because of the central party's nomination turmoil and lack of strategy, veterans from regions that suffered shocking election defeats are becoming targets of 'blood replacement' and 'bloody purges.' It is truly cruel to conduct a party audit at a time when consolation is still needed."

He argued, "If you truly want to wield the sword of reform based on sincere reflection, you should first conduct a thorough audit of the nomination process for all candidates in the 21st general election and make it public, thereby establishing a system nomination process that fundamentally prevents any power holder from engaging in private recommendations (sacheon) in the future."

Jang urged, "Will the new party leadership conduct another party audit? The presidential and local elections are two years away, and the general election is four years away. What great talents will fill the seats of those purged? It seems pointless. Start by organizing the vacant party branches."

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