People Power Party Struggles to Quell Internal Discord Rumors... "Confirmed Senior Members' Willingness to Cooperate" (Comprehensive)

Some Senior Lawmakers Express Dissatisfaction Toward Kim Jong-in: "End the Emergency Committee," "Engage in Active Communication"
Party Calms Rising Conflict Rumors, Confirms Senior Lawmakers' Willingness to Cooperate
Kim Jong-in Draws a Line: "I Only Do My Job, Not Interested"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee Chairman-Senior Lawmakers Joint Meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, and senior lawmakers who have maintained an uncomfortable relationship gathered in one place on the 21st.

At this meeting, some lawmakers indirectly expressed dissatisfaction toward Chairman Kim by urging him to increase communication. However, Chairman Kim downplayed the repeated complaints, saying, "I am someone who only needs to do my own work." The party moved to calm the situation, stating that they "confirmed the willingness of senior lawmakers to cooperate."

This meeting drew attention as it was held amid ongoing sharp criticisms directed at Chairman Kim by elder politicians and some senior lawmakers. Although joint meetings between the leadership and senior lawmakers had been held every Wednesday, they had not taken place since early last month. This led to speculation that Chairman Kim arranged the meeting to address internal dissatisfaction and clear up misunderstandings. Lawmakers Jeong Jin-seok, Kim Ki-hyun, Kwon Young-se, and Hong Moon-pyo attended the meeting.

During the meeting, some lawmakers voiced harsh criticism toward the party. Lawmaker Hong said, "It is time to review whether the People Power Party performed well in this National Assembly audit," and argued that if the ruling party conducts the audit as it pleases, "what is the value of the opposition party's existence?" He insisted that the party should focus its efforts on summoning Kim Bong-hyun, the former chairman of Star Mobility who is currently imprisoned, as a witness for the audit. He sharpened his criticism by saying, "The Republic of Korea is being toyed with over a single letter, yet why can't we either visit or summon him?" and "Our inability to do this is our incompetence."

Lawmaker Kim emphasized, "The party must now pull itself together," and added, "We need to move beyond addition and practice multiplication politics." He further stated, "If we do not reform ourselves and show a dynamic image, we could collapse along with the Democratic Party of Korea. The leadership must now take concrete actions for a leap forward," and requested, "Please actively recruit figures who can broaden the party's appeal to centrists and refine and highlight internal talents to the fullest." He also stressed, "Measures for the return of defectors and alliances with forces sharing the philosophy of liberal democracy are necessary," and urged, "Please ensure that a solid consensus is formed within the party through active communication with lawmakers."

Compared to previously raised remarks such as "Let's end the emergency committee here" (Lawmaker Jo Kyung-tae), "The leadership must stake their positions to enforce a special prosecutor" (Lawmaker Kim Tae-heum), and "The opposition party is failing in its role" (Advisor Park Kwan-yong), the level of criticism was milder but indirectly pointed out the leadership's dominance over the political situation and lack of communication.

However, Chairman Kim did not make any particular remarks about internal dissatisfaction during the public speaking session. Immediately after the meeting, when asked by reporters, he drew a line by saying, "(The complaints from some senior lawmakers) do not interest me. I am someone who only needs to do my own work." Regarding demands for reinstatement, he dismissed them, saying, "I have never thought about it," and "I have no time to think about anything else because I must devote all my energy to next year's by-elections."

The party explained that the senior lawmakers who attended the meeting confirmed their willingness to cooperate centered around Chairman Kim. Spokesperson Kim Ye-ryeong held a private briefing and stated, "Regarding rumors of cracks, conflicts, and discord within the party, we confirmed the willingness of senior lawmakers to cooperate and that they will make further efforts." She also conveyed that Chairman Kim said, "The party must cooperate more and unite for next year's by-elections." It appears that the party is taking steps to manage the situation to prevent further spread of discord rumors.

Spokesperson Kim emphasized, "It is very healthy for different opinions to be expressed within the party and for discussions to be based on them," and added, "Ahead of the serious situation of the April elections next year, please view any perceived conflicts as part of the party's proactive process of change, innovation, and consolidation of strength."

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