People Power Party "Pursuing Pension, Labor, and Education Reforms"... Adoption of Resolution Statement

Emphasizing People's Livelihood Party and Working National Assembly
Timing of Party Convention Not Decided Yet

People Power Party floor spokesperson Park Hyung-soo is reading a resolution at the '2022 National Assembly Members Workshop' held on the 26th at the Jaeneung Education Training Center in Cheonan, Chungnam. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong and Kwon Hyunji] The People Power Party concluded its two-day workshop by including 'pension, labor, and education reform' in its resolution. This is interpreted as a renewed commitment following criticism that the foundation for reform had been sluggish and that there was no visible will for reform during the first 100 days of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. Along with this, the party decided to focus on becoming a 'people's livelihood party' by promoting regulatory innovation in the private sector. However, there was also criticism that the significance of the fresh start was diminished due to gaffes and alcohol-related issues during the workshop.

On the 26th, the People Power Party stated in the resolution adopted at the conclusion of the workshop, "The People Power Party will achieve regulatory innovation in the private sector together with the Yoon Seok-yeol government and promote reforms in the pension, labor, and education sectors." Pension, labor, and education are reform tasks announced by President Yoon Seok-yeol. The People Power Party has already completed preparatory work to support this by launching a special committee on pension reform together with the Democratic Party of Korea. Professor Kim Yong-ha of Soonchunhyang University, invited as a lecturer the previous day, explained under the theme 'Issues and Directions of Pension Reform,' saying, "A decision is needed on whether to be remembered as a responsible party by pushing pension reform or to become an accomplice to the previous administration that ruined future pensions by not reforming pensions."

Along with this, the party also emphasized being a people's livelihood party and a working National Assembly. The People Power Party explained, "We will be reborn as a people's livelihood party and a people's party to recover the economy and overcome the crisis of ordinary people," and "We will achieve social grand compromise to create a working National Assembly."

Regarding the timing of the party convention, which is the party's biggest concern, no conclusion was reached. Ahn Cheol-soo, one of the leading candidates for party leadership, said, "November is difficult. The budget is being reduced this time, so there will probably be strong opposition," and added, "It would be better to hold it after the regular National Assembly session. Livelihood comes first, not power struggles." He dismissed the idea of an early convention, saying it is possible within the year but difficult in November.

During this workshop, controversies arose over 'appearance evaluations' targeting female lawmakers and a 'drinking party video' involving floor leader Kwon Seong-dong. Writer Lee Ji-sung, while giving a lecture on 'How to Become a Party That Cannot Be Replaced by Artificial Intelligence' the previous day, said, "The People Power Party lacks a youthful and female image. There are Bae Hyun-jin and Na Kyung-won, but it seems somewhat insufficient. Even with Mrs. Kim Geon-hee, it is not enough. If I (Cha Yu-ram) join to make a group of four, it would be the end," which irritated the lawmakers mentioned.

Regarding the situation in the video of floor leader Kwon, floor spokesperson Park Hyung-soo said, "Emergency Response Committee Chairman Joo Ho-young and floor leader Kwon Seong-dong, after completing all official schedules, visited the reporters' dinner held by the press corps who came on a field trip to Cheonan, Chungnam, to express their gratitude to the reporters," and added, "The reckless political attacks must stop immediately."

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