Preemptive Crackdown This Time... Kim Jong-in Requests to Postpone Gaecheonjeol Rally (Comprehensive)

Preemptive Move to Avoid Backlash
Ahn Cheol-soo Also Voices, "Please Cancel the Rally Immediately"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 10th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Lim Chunhan] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, urged the asphalt conservative forces who have announced a rally on October 3rd, National Foundation Day, to "postpone the rally." This is interpreted as a proactive preemptive move after suffering backlash for not issuing a special message during last month's Liberation Day rally.

On the 10th, at the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly, Chairman Kim said, "This is a critical moment when the entire nation must unite to overcome the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or face collapse." He appealed, "I earnestly ask with both hands clasped. In this moment of uncertainty about tomorrow, please postpone the rally and stand together with your neighbors and the people."

Chairman Kim drew attention by using a persuasive tone, referring to the rally participants as embodying 'patriotism' and the 'ancestors who participated in the March 1st Movement.' He said, "I am deeply moved thinking of our ancestors who, despite 130,000 compatriots dying from the 1919 Spanish flu and the entire country being in panic, risked their lives out of patriotism to join the March 1st Movement," adding, "As someone involved in politics, I even feel a sense of apology."

He emphasized, "The memories of this administration's unfairness and governance failure, deeply engraved in the minds of all citizens, will never be erased," and "Your restrained anger will gain more support and resonate among the people."

Chairman Kim's preemptive message is seen as a reaction to the significant backlash and drop in approval ratings after the party did not crack down at the party level and left the decision to attend the Liberation Day rally to individual party members and lawmakers.

Contrary to expectations that the message would strongly warn party lawmakers and members and harshly criticize the asphalt conservative forces, the focus was on persuasion and appeal. Regarding this, spokesperson Kim Eun-hye said, "We cannot know exactly who will attend the rally. The message was delivered considering those who may have decided to participate or are hesitating," adding, "Sometimes, an appeal can be more powerful than orders or persuasion."

However, some interpret the message as a strategic one aimed at minimizing internal backlash such as 'the message must be heeded' and 'government witch-hunting,' while simultaneously avoiding responsibility.

Following Chairman Kim, Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, also requested the cancellation of the National Foundation Day rally. At the Supreme Council meeting that day, Ahn said, "The primary responsibility for the second wave of COVID-19 lies with the government, which sent the wrong signals to the people by declaring the end of the pandemic, but it cannot be denied that events like the last Liberation Day rally contributed to the spread of infection," adding, "While voices opposing the government are necessary, please consider first the concerns of many citizens worried about the spread of COVID-19."

He continued, "The practical effect is minimal. Large-scale urban rallies held under these circumstances make moderate citizens uneasy and turn them away, ultimately providing only excuses for the Moon Jae-in administration," and urged, "If the rally organizers are not helpers of the Moon administration, they should immediately cancel the rally entirely." Ahn also called on the People Power Party, saying, "If there are party officials or district committee heads attending the rally, strict disciplinary measures such as expulsion should be established," and "Please also ask party members to refrain from participating in the rally."

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