[Interview] Kim Young-bae: "Creating a Competent Policy Party to Regain Power"

Democratic Party Supreme Council Candidate Relay Interview ⑤
Focus on Youth Jobs and Labor Issues
Emphasis on Real Demand-Centered Real Estate Policy
Critical of Moves to Ease Comprehensive Real Estate Tax

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Kim Young-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea running for the Supreme Council member candidate, stated that a 'policy expert' is needed among the party leadership to win next year's presidential election, asserting that he is the right person for the role. Although Kim is a first-term member of the 21st National Assembly, he is considered a core pro-Moon figure and a 'policy expert,' having served as the mayor of Seongbuk District for eight years, a secretary at the Policy Planning Committee during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, and a policy coordination secretary in the current government.

Kim Young-bae, candidate for Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Office of Assemblyman Kim Young-bae

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 30th, Kim evaluated that "the April 7 by-election showed that 'change is necessary to survive,'" and stated, "With the freshness of a first-term lawmaker, the on-site experience as a local government head, and expertise as a policy expert, I will build a competent policy party and contribute to the reestablishment of the regime in next year's presidential election." He also emphasized that since he contributed to the launch of the Moon administration, he has a responsibility to ensure it is concluded as a successful government. Kim highlighted the importance of 'Democratic Party-ness.' He analyzed that despite holding 174 seats, the party failed to accelerate the implementation of livelihood policies, including real estate policies, because it did not realize the party's values through proper policies.

Kim said, "We need to present policies that uphold the Democratic Party's reformist values of fairness, justice, and balanced development, but because this point wavered, it confused the public about the goals and showed a floundering image swayed by bureaucratic penmanship," adding, "It is regrettable that the Democratic Party failed to deliver its values through proper policies."

Kim Young-bae, candidate for Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Office of Assemblyman Kim Young-bae

Kim stated that if he becomes a Supreme Council member, he will focus on youth employment and labor issues, as well as real estate supply policies centered on actual users. In particular, he believes protection for platform workers, whose numbers have surged since COVID-19, is necessary. Kim emphasized, "Among youth jobs, many are platform labor, but the distinction between business operators and workers is unclear, and with many non-face-to-face jobs, it is difficult to set standards. We need to resolve these issues to prevent income polarization and job polarization."

Regarding real estate issues, he criticized moves to ease comprehensive real estate tax, saying that tax cuts for the wealthy only worsen the situation.

Kim said, "The principles of preventing speculation and recovering unearned income must be upheld, and opportunities to provide housing centered on actual users should be expanded. Although late, the 2.4 real estate supply policy should be accelerated, and easing the comprehensive real estate tax should be approached cautiously."

He stressed, "Policy is ultimately a combination of on-site experience and expertise, and I think there should be at least one such person in the leadership," pledging to incorporate voices from the field into policy as a policy expert.

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