Kim Gi-hyeon Continues Offensive Against Ruling Party and Focuses on Livelihood Issues

Will the 'Doro Hangukdang' Frame Trap Them?
Addressing Current Issues Without Extreme Struggles
Future Plans Announced at Press Conference on the 16th

Kim Ki-hyun, Acting Leader of the People Power Party, attended an emergency party meeting held on the 14th in front of the Blue House Fountain in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and made remarks condemning the forced approval of Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The leadership of Kim Ki-hyun, the acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, has officially come under scrutiny. On the 14th, the party held an emergency caucus in front of the Blue House to condemn the appointments of Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Minister of Science and ICT Lim Hye-sook, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Noh Hyung-wook. However, Acting Leader Kim appears to be taking the lead in focusing on livelihood issues. While strong offensive measures against the ruling party are necessary, he is drawing a line at hardline confrontations and seems to intend to use this cabinet reshuffle failure as a stepping stone to gain public support.

According to political circles on the 15th, the People Power Party is not expected to prolong this personnel dispute. Taking a hardline stance could trap them in the 'Road to the Korean Party' frame. The party has decided to selectively engage with standing committees rather than simply boycotting them. Discussions on retroactive application of loss compensation, COVID-19 vaccines, and semiconductors will continue through the standing committees. At the caucus the day before, Acting Leader Kim said, "The People Power Party will act as the people's whip and work even more vigorously to address livelihood issues," adding, "We will vigorously carry out efforts to rectify the government’s dysfunction." Within the party, the voluntary resignation of Park Jun-young, the nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, during this first confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties is seen as a certain achievement.

Earlier, when announcing his election as floor leader, Acting Leader Kim conveyed this policy. At a meeting with reporters after his election, he declared, "We will become a strong opposition party focusing mostly on livelihood tasks that need to be fought against the ruling party." At the same time, he made it clear that he would not lead the party in a biased manner, indicating that he would not resort to extreme confrontations such as outdoor rallies or head-shaving protests.

On the 16th, Acting Leader Kim plans to hold a press conference regarding his future actions related to livelihood issues such as real estate, semiconductors, COVID-19 vaccines, and the loss compensation system. Plans to conduct on-site inspections of vaccine supply and vaccination status next week are also under consideration. Additionally, he is expected to broaden his activities by participating in the 5.18 Gwangju Democratization Movement memorial ceremony next week and attending joint speeches of candidates for the next party leader.

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