Kim Jong-in "Will Leave Politics After the April 7 By-Election"

Strengthening the Political Base of the People Power Party is Important... Compensation for Losses Must Be Implemented Soon

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is wiping sweat during a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly on the 27th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Boryeong Geum] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, announced on the 27th that he will leave politics after the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections scheduled for April 7.

Chairman Kim held a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly that morning and said, "As I have repeatedly said, I will no longer be in politics after the by-elections." He also emphasized the importance of this election. Kim said, "This is a very important election to solidify the political foundation of the People Power Party," adding, "We are in the process of selecting the candidate with the strongest competitiveness."

Regarding Yoon Seok-youl, the Prosecutor General considered a presidential candidate from the opposition camp, he said, "(Whether he will run) is something to be observed later," and added, "I don't think it is necessary to speak specifically." He further analyzed, "Since the focus is currently on the Seoul and Busan mayoral races, the approval ratings of presidential candidates will properly emerge after the by-elections."

On the Seoul mayoral by-election, he also said that the Democratic Party should not field a candidate. Kim criticized, "The Democratic Party did not take a clear stance on the sexual harassment issue involving the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, and according to the previous party rules, they said they would not field a candidate, but then they changed the party rules and fielded a candidate in a somewhat convenient manner," adding, "I think this shows an insincere attitude."

Regarding the small business owners and self-employed loss compensation system being promoted mainly by the government and ruling party, he urged for "compensation as soon as possible." He stated that the president should secure 100 trillion won through an emergency financial order to support COVID-19 damages. Kim urged the president's decision, saying, "It is not about others talking and solving it, but the president who controls the state affairs must make a judgment and secure the funds." He also indicated that he would be willing to respond if the president proposes a summit meeting for this purpose.

On the timing of the loss compensation payment, Chairman Kim, leading the opposition party, believes it should be separated from the April by-election period. He said, "Seeing the ruling party repeatedly say that the payment should be made by early April, I think there is an aspect of trying to benefit from monetary payments in the by-elections," adding, "I hope the payment is made either in January or February, or well after the election, so that there is no talk of exploiting the election."

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