Hong Moon-pyo "Kim Jong-in emphasized 'My last by-election in my lifetime'"

"Administrative Capital Relocation, Dumbfounded... No Concrete Plan"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, hinted at his intention to step down after the election by referring to it as "the last by-election of my life" during a meeting with senior party members.

On the 13th, Hong Moon-pyo, a People Power Party lawmaker, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "(Chairman Kim) emphasized several times, even though we didn't bring it up, that 'this is the last by-election of my life.'"

On the 8th, Chairman Kim and senior party lawmakers held a dinner meeting to discuss issues related to the Seoul and Busan mayoral elections. Amid ongoing speculation about his candidacy, Chairman Kim drew a line and indicated his intention to step down after the by-election.

Lawmaker Hong said, "I thought he already has a clear determination and decision," adding, "Although we cannot jump to conclusions about his resignation, when he uses the term 'last' regarding his position, I think it should be taken at face value."

Regarding the new party issue proposed by Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, he said, "In the National Assembly and politics, the number of lawmakers cannot be ignored, so can we call it a merger with 103 and 3 members?" He added, "Since there are party rules, if Leader Ahn joins and goes through the procedures together, whether running for mayor or president, it is welcome."

On the discussion about relocating the administrative capital, led by the ruling party, he criticized, "When asked how they will handle the Constitutional Court issue, they do not give an answer," and said, "(The ruling party) says they are forming a task force (TF) team and proceeding quite concretely at first glance, but there is no content at all; it’s just pie in the sky."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the public sentiment in Chungcheong Province toward relocating the administrative capital, Lawmaker Hong said, "Honestly, I am dumbfounded. Whether it is possible or not," emphasizing that the ruling party must present a master plan and explain how they will overcome the Constitutional Court’s decision. About the plan to keep the Speaker’s office in Yeouido while moving standing committees, he pointed out, "If you go, you have to move everything, otherwise you shouldn’t do it," and added, "It seems they are conscious of Seoul citizens ahead of next year’s election."

He analyzed that Seoul citizens would not welcome the relocation of all administrative capital functions. Lawmaker Hong said, "With the real estate issue, now the administrative capital issue you mentioned, and even moving the National Assembly, many people are asking questions about all these problems together," and criticized, "Regardless of party, they need to first explain how they will resolve the laws of the state and the Constitutional Court’s rulings."

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