[Interview] Kim Byung-joon "National Grand Reform, Task for Next Government... Regulatory Authority Should Be Given to Market and Individuals"

"Revitalize Market Dynamics for Growth, While Strengthening the Role of the State in Welfare and Other Areas"

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Lee Hyun-joo] Kim Byung-joon, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stated, "The national governance system must fundamentally change," adding, "A significant portion of the regulatory authority held by the state should be shifted toward the market, companies, and individuals."

Kim Byung-joon, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the 15th, Kim held an interview with our publication at the People Power Party headquarters, saying, "The speed of national decision-making is gradually slowing down, making it impossible to keep up with the rapid pace of social change," and "All sorts of contradictions are arising in this process. Issues such as wealth disparity and low growth stem from this."

He also emphasized changes in the roles of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, as well as between central and local governments. He said, "Especially, the relationship between the executive and legislative branches should operate organically. Currently, it is centered on the central government, but through decentralization, a balanced relationship between local and central governments needs to be maintained through a process of change."

Kim mentioned that he had discussed the roles and operational methods of the state several times with Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party’s presidential candidate. He introduced, "We shared the same views on respecting freedom and creativity while fostering market dynamism for growth, and on the government playing a deep role in addressing inequalities inherent in the free market economy by coordinating accordingly." During the interview, he repeatedly referred to the presidential agenda, stating that changes in the national governance system are an agenda the next government’s president must address.

Kim Byung-joon, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Kim, who has emphasized the necessity of a responsible prime minister system, explained, "It is to entrust daily affairs so that the president can focus on what truly needs to be done." Both Yoon and Kim agree on this principle of restructuring power but are not pushing constitutional amendments to the forefront. Kim stressed, "While constitutional amendments would be good if possible, even if we try to do a one-point amendment, various issues arise with people saying ‘include this, include that,’ causing delays in even feasible tasks. We must start with what can be done within the current constitutional framework even without amendments."

Regarding speculations about an uncomfortable relationship with Kim Jong-in, the overall election committee chairman and the top figure of the election committee, Kim said, "Although it was reported that there were differences in policy positions, when examined closely, there are no significant differences." Addressing media reports that they did not even look at each other during the central election committee launch ceremony, he said, "We exchanged greetings sufficiently in the waiting room, and the launch event was hectic with many people greeting each other."

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