Kim Dong-yeon’s Former Deputy Jo Jeong-hoon: "He Said New Political Mainstream Is Needed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Jo Jeong-hoon, member of the Transition Era party, commented on former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon, saying, "He seems willing to take on any role, and I believe a new political mainstream is needed." Jo has a close relationship with Kim, having worked together at the World Bank for three years.

On the 25th, Jo appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "(Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim) seems to have the mindset of not refusing any role. I understand that a book summarizing various policy visions will be published in July. I expect that book to raise the key issues of our era."

When asked, "Where do you think he will establish his 'nest' (political party)?" Jo responded, "I think there is a need for a new political mainstream, one that is not about fighting and causing conflicts as in the past, but about solving problems, moving toward the future, and fostering integration. That is where attention is needed."

This is interpreted as emphasizing the establishment of an independent force that is neither the ruling party nor the opposition. When asked if there is an intention to recruit him to the Transition Era party, Jo said, "I am willing to work with everyone who is ushering in a new era," adding, "As mentioned in former Deputy Prime Minister Kim's book, there is a phrase that says, 'The fun and excitement lie in navigating uncharted waters.'"

He continued, "A new paradigm is needed in this new era of transition. He has shown a positive stance on universal welfare and the four-day workweek, and he is not afraid to take on various new policy challenges." Regarding his relationship with former Deputy Prime Minister Kim, he introduced, "He was my 'mentor' at the World Bank for about three years. He often shares a lot of insights."

Jo also gave his evaluation of the current leading candidates. About former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, Jo said, "He seems to have the ability and the will to overturn the country (innovative transition), but he has not yet said how he will organize things after the overturn. It is a blank slate. This is not an era that needs a samurai; it is an era that requires capable people who can manage these difficult times well and lead innovation."

Regarding Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, he said, "I fully support the spirit of basic income," but added, "The question of how to unite a divided Korea seems to be a task he has yet to solve."

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