'100 Days in Office' Kim Jong-in Resumes Facebook... Is the United Future Party Signaling a 'Future Strategy' Plan?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, marks 100 days in office on the 3rd of this month. Ahead of this milestone, he resumed activity on Facebook after more than a year and three months and called on the government to formulate a '4th supplementary budget (추경)' and pursue cooperation. By displaying the new party name 'Gukminui Him' (People Power Party) on his Facebook profile, he also hinted at laying out the future plans for the United Future Party.

On the afternoon of the 1st, Kim posted on Facebook, saying, "The path was opened for the quick formulation of the 4th supplementary budget, but for some reason, the government continues to hesitate," adding, "If the government's attitude toward the opposition changes, the opposition will also cooperate where necessary."

Urging the 4th supplementary budget, Kim pointed out, "I have repeatedly urged that giving disaster relief funds as a one-time payment will not solve the problem and that fundamental measures must be prepared, but the government is still hesitating," and criticized, "I cannot tell whether they are hesitating knowingly or anxiously because they do not know." While criticizing the government's hesitation, he unusually supported 'expansionary fiscal policy.' He said, "Especially, the problem must be solved with the power of fiscal policy," and added, "Perhaps for the first time in our history, there is an opportunity to seek solutions through bold fiscal policies."

This post is Kim's first Facebook post in over a year and three months since his last post on June 15, 2019. It is also his first since becoming Emergency Committee Chairman on June 1. During this time, Kim has focused on removing the conservative color that dominated the United Future Party and establishing it as an 'alternative party.'

As Kim's efforts bore some fruit, the United Future Party's approval rating once surpassed that of the Democratic Party for the first time since the impeachment. On the 2nd, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, said on YTN Radio's 'Start New Morning,' "The party has stabilized a lot, and there is a good evaluation regarding its dedication to innovation and centrist pragmatism." He also emphasized that the party name change to Gukminui Him reflected the era of centrism, pragmatism, and a de-ideologized trend.

This is interpreted as Kim intending to actively voice his plans for the future as he reaches 100 days in office. By emphasizing strengthening fiscal policy and the 4th supplementary budget, he appears to be supporting the government on the premise of cooperation. In his opening remarks at the National Committee meeting that morning, Kim said, "It is time for the party to change and innovate so that it can be a source of strength and support for the people," adding, "We will transform the party into one that leads changes in the times, breathes with the people, and walks alongside the vulnerable."

Kim also showed his intention to reform within the party by listing his title as 'Chairman of the Emergency Committee of Gukminui Him' instead of the United Future Party in his Facebook profile. On the 2nd, the United Future Party held a National Committee meeting and changed the party name to 'Gukminui Him' while revising its platform to include progressive values such as basic income and the spirit of May 18. Accordingly, the new party name 'Mirae Tonghapdang' (Future United Party), established through the pan-conservative unification on February 17, disappeared into history after just six months.

In his opening remarks at the National Committee meeting, Kim said, "It is time for the party to change and innovate so that it can be a source of strength and support for the people," adding, "We will transform the party into one that leads changes in the times, breathes with the people, and walks alongside the vulnerable."

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