"Why I Should Become the Opposition Floor Leader..."... Fighter, Negotiator, and the Right Person for Unity

People Power Party Freshmen Invited Floor Leader Debate
Kwon Seong-dong, Kim Ki-hyun, Kim Tae-heum, Yoo Ui-dong Attend

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Geum Bo-ryeong] Candidates for the floor leader of the People Power Party expressed confidence that they are the right person for negotiations and struggles against the ruling party during a discussion with first-term lawmakers. The candidates boasted of their ability to fight the ruling party and appealed for support by putting opposition unity at the forefront.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 26th, at the National Assembly, the People Power Party held a session titled "Dialogue with First-Term Lawmakers: Listening to Floor Leader Candidates," where candidates including Kwon Seong-dong, Kim Ki-hyun, Kim Tae-heum, and Yoo Ui-dong attended and answered questions from first-term lawmakers.

Candidate Kim Tae-heum stated, "Over the past year, dictatorship was committed due to the arrogance and dogmatism of the Democratic Party of Korea, and seeing the election of the new Democratic Party floor leader, it seems that this stance will not change," adding, "At such a time, we need someone who fights best and has strong combat power." He expressed confidence by saying, "A good fighter is skilled in strategy and tactics, makes accurate situational judgments, and can properly analyze the opponent."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Tae-heum said, "The floor leader position, along with the party leader, is the highest pinnacle within the party," and added, "One should not hold selfish motives or treat this position as a stepping stone in their political journey," emphasizing, "It must be undertaken with the determination to stake one's political life." Additionally, Kim highlighted his origin from the Chungcheong region, stating, "I believe Kim Tae-heum is the most suitable candidate for the first move in the central region."

Candidate Kwon Seong-dong reflected, "Looking back at history, during the 20th general election when we were the ruling party, we fell into arrogance like the Democratic Party now, suffered a crushing defeat, and lost the presidency because we failed to properly grasp public sentiment," and continued, "Even after the Moon Jae-in administration began, we fought hard, opposing their tyranny through hunger strikes, head shavings, and outdoor protests, but the public still gave the Democratic Party 180 seats. The reason is that we failed to properly understand public sentiment."

He added, "Now, we must listen to the voices of the silent majority of the people who are considering whether to support us," and said, "That is rational centrist politics based on common sense." He stated, "I believe that a strong confrontation against the Democratic Party's 180 seats is not very effective," and "Negotiations should be conducted simultaneously with sincerity." He promised, "I will ensure that the party does not get swayed by hardline voices and approaches public sentiment."

Candidate Yoo Ui-dong emphasized, "What remained from strong opposition struggles was the image of a 'party that holds back progress,' regardless of the correctness of our claims," and stressed, "Now we must change the paradigm of fighting." He said, "When our party finds and does what the people want to hear and desire, public sentiment supports us," adding, "We will transform the party and gain public support through value expansion, regional expansion, and generational expansion." Yoo Ui-dong stated, "We must show a strong sign of change so that public sentiment pays attention to the People Power Party," and urged, "Choose me in this floor leader election to show the people the will for courageous change."

Lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun described first-term lawmakers as "vitamins that maintain the party's health," emphasizing the role of first-term lawmakers by saying, "Reform, innovation, and renewal are key tasks to gain power, and I believe first-term lawmakers will play that role to increase the possibility of taking power." He added, "The role of the opposition within the party is an element that keeps the party healthy. I appreciate the role of first-term lawmakers these days," and gave significance by saying, "The very mention of a first-term party leader is quite a shock and will send a strong message to the public." Additionally, Kim appealed for support by presenting himself as the "right person for opposition unity."

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