Kim Dong-yeon Launches New Party 'Saeroun Mul-gyeol'... Ruling and Opposition Parties Say "We Are Allies, Will Cooperate"

"Breaking the Establishment, Resolving Opportunity Polarization"

Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon (center) is taking a commemorative photo at the founding promoters' meeting of the "New Wave (tentative name)" party held on the afternoon of the 24th at Nurikkum Square in Mapo-gu, Seoul. From the left, Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim, People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok, and Transition Korea leader Cho Jung-hoon.
Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Image source: Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon, a third-party presidential candidate, announced his intention to found the party "Saeroun Mulgeol" (New Wave). On the day of the founding ceremony, leaders of both ruling and opposition parties emphasized that they are "on the same side" and expressed their willingness to cooperate.

On the 24th, Kim held the "Saeroun Mulgeol Founding Promoters' Meeting" at Nurikkum Square in Mapo-gu, Seoul, stating, "Among the markets in the Republic of Korea, the political market has the highest entry barriers," and added, "To break down the walls of politics and change the political landscape, we are founding 'Saeroun Mulgeol'." The founding preparation committee formed that day will proceed with preparations for the official party establishment in the future.

He declared his intention to identify the fundamental causes of societal issues. Kim said, "The root cause of our society's problems, which appear as polarization, low birth rates, and low growth, is the 'winner-takes-all structure' of our society," and emphasized, "We will seek the fundamental causes, not just the visible symptoms." He also pledged to break vested interests and propose alternatives to structural problems for practical problem-solving.

He further stated that he would present solutions to provide more opportunities for youth, such as creating a youth investment nation and resolving opportunity polarization.

He particularly emphasized that anyone who is a citizen should be able to participate in politics. Kim said, "The era when a single leader or a specific political group leads society is over," and added, "The real driving force of reform is the understanding and political support of citizens."

Various political figures attended the founding ceremony and offered congratulatory remarks. Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "The issues raised by former Deputy Prime Minister Kim will be a great force in creating a new agenda that stimulates change in Korean politics," and added, "The Democratic Party will embrace this new change and work together to build a new Republic of Korea."

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, also said, "Listening to former Deputy Prime Minister Kim's remarks, I was convinced that he is on our side," and congratulated, "The People Power Party and Saeroun Mulgeol are comrades heading in the same direction with the same intentions."

Kim Jong-in, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, known as a "kingmaker" in politics, said, "I have strongly encouraged him for years to try politics," and added, "Finally, it seems that a political organization is being formed today." He continued, "Watching the primary process, I have serious doubts about whether these politicians properly understand the pressing realities facing our country," and stated, "I think what former Deputy Prime Minister Kim is attempting could provide a great opportunity to contribute to the development of Korean politics and changes in Korea's economic and social structures."

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