Kim Jong-in: "Not Only the Three Fair Economy Laws but Also Labor Laws Must Be Revised"…Criticizes the 'Gwanghwamun Fortress'

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is delivering a greeting speech at the plaque unveiling ceremony held on the 5th at the new party headquarters in Namjung Building, Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, raised his voice that along with the ruling party's push for the Fair Economy 3 Acts (Commercial Act, Fair Trade Act, Financial Group Supervision Act), labor-management relations and labor laws should also be reformed together.

On the 5th, at the Emergency Committee meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Chairman Kim said, "I request the government and ruling party to attempt not only the Fair Economy 3 Acts but also to revise labor-management relations and labor laws together."

He pointed out, "Leaving aside the Fair Economy 3 Acts, after the COVID-19 crisis, changes must be brought to all sectors of the economy," and added, "Usually, it is said that the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) standards show the best growth, but according to the OECD's announcement, among 141 countries, South Korea ranks 102nd in employment and dismissal issues, and 130th in labor-management relations."

Chairman Kim stated, "Regarding the flexibility of our wages, we rank 84th, showing a very backward pattern," and "If we want to fundamentally change our economic system and all structures after the COVID-19 crisis, it will be difficult to achieve without simultaneously reforming labor-management relations laws and labor laws."

He also demanded solutions for small business owners struggling after the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "There is no sign of any measures for small business owners, self-employed people, and workers employed in such places who are currently facing difficulties," and added, "I ask the government to proactively present in advance what can be done for the survival and livelihood of small business owners and the self-employed who are struggling."

Regarding the government's response of erecting 'barriers' at the Gwanghwamun rally on National Foundation Day, he said, "I do not understand why the government, fearing the people, mobilized a huge number of police buses to fortress the middle of the city like this," and added, "I think Korean democracy is not developing but rather showing signs of regression. I urge a progressive mindset for the development of democracy in our country."

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