Justice Party Transitions to 'Kim Jong-cheol System'... Can It Shake Off the Label of Democratic Party's Second Fiddle?

Kim Jong-cheol, the newly appointed leader of the Justice Party, is attending the leadership meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Kim Jong-cheol, the newly appointed leader of the Justice Party, has signaled a healthy competition with the Democratic Party of Korea and raised the anchor of the 'post Shim Sang-jung' system.

In interviews with KBS Radio and MBC Radio on the 12th, Leader Kim said, "Bold policies are needed amid the COVID-19 crisis, and progressive parties like the Justice Party must raise their voices more clearly." This is interpreted as his intention to break away from the frame of being the "Democratic Party's second squad" and to strengthen the clarity as a progressive party.

Kim, who belongs to the PD (People's Democracy) faction within the Justice Party, was elected on the 9th in an online runoff vote, receiving 7,389 votes (55.6%), defeating candidate Bae Jin-gyo who received 5,908 votes (44.4%).

In his acceptance speech immediately after being elected, Kim said, "Until now, the Justice Party has been perceived as a 'commentary party' that evaluates the agendas set by the two major parties, the Democratic Party and the People Power Party," adding, "That era is now over, and a time will come when the two major parties will have to respond to the agendas presented by the Justice Party. The two parties should be on alert."

He identified 'labor' and 'peace' as the key principles the Justice Party should pursue. Regarding the congratulatory message from Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, who said, "We will wait for an agenda that will make the Democratic Party nervous," Kim responded, "Six to seven people die daily from industrial accidents. Just two days ago, a worker at CJ Logistics ended his life due to overwork," urging, "The Democratic Party should join us in enacting the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act proposed by the Justice Party." On North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's conciliatory message toward South Korea, Kim said, "I hope Chairman Kim Jong-un will respond to these aspirations, and I also hope the Moon Jae-in administration will actively pursue peace and disarmament efforts."

The by-elections in April next year are expected to be Kim's first test. In particular, the issue of unification with the Democratic Party is a hurdle he must overcome to produce elected officials from the Justice Party. Regarding this, Kim said to the Democratic Party, "They should not nominate candidates for the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections next year," adding, "The foundation of politics is trust, and double standards are unacceptable. The Democratic Party must keep its promises and show a responsible attitude." He continued, "Through the leadership of other progressive parties and progressive civil society, the Justice Party will show a new kind of election."

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