Kim Jong-in: "The Major Issue We Face Is Polarization... A Significant Number of People Feel Their Livelihoods Threatened"

"Yoon, Obsessed with Liberalism? A Naive Thought"

Kim Jong-in, the General Election Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is giving a speech at the launch ceremony of the People Power Party's 20th Presidential Election Campaign Committee held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Gymnastics Stadium in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Kim Jong-in, the General Election Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, pointed out on the 6th that "the biggest problem we are facing is polarization."

In an interview with TV Chosun that night, Chairman Kim said, "The issue of polarization has not narrowed but only widened over time. After experiencing COVID-19 for two years, polarization has become more severe," adding, "A significant number of people are in economically devastated situations and feel threatened in terms of livelihood and survival, so as the president leading the country, I think it is inevitable to prioritize how to handle this issue."

Regarding the background of ultimately joining the election committee, he said, "I spent some time thinking about various things. Considering personal circumstances and the various events that occurred during the formation of the election committee, I thought it would be better not to participate in the committee anymore," adding, "However, the party persistently suggested changing my mind. Although I did not respond at first, such attempts continued, and the pressure from people around me was strong."

He continued, "My family also said that it would be reasonable to contribute one last time and then rest comfortably."

Regarding concerns about generational conflicts among the 60s presidential candidate, 30s party leader, and 80s general chairman, Chairman Kim said, "There is no need to worry. With the upcoming presidential election next year, the goal of maximizing votes to elect candidate Yoon is shared by candidate Yoon, leader Lee Jun-seok, and myself, so conflicts cannot exist."

When asked about rumors that candidate Yoon is obsessed with liberal economics, he said, "That kind of talk is naive," adding, "No matter how obsessed one is with liberalism, the current situation cannot be resolved by advocating only liberal economics. The president has the duty to protect the people. Since the situation is heading toward abnormality, it is irresponsible to say that we will leave it alone because we worship liberalism."

Meanwhile, former Chairman Kim, who previously mentioned a "moment of the star" regarding candidate Yoon, answered the question "Where is the star now?" by saying, "A star rising in the early evening."

Regarding this, Chairman Kim explained, "I told candidate Yoon in February that 'the moment of the star has come,' and now that he has become the presidential candidate, it seems he has caught the star. However, to fully capture the moment of the star, he must become a successful president after winning the election to say that he has truly caught the moment of the star. Since that has not yet happened, I said it is a star rising in the early evening."

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