Geum Tae-seop: "To Break the Strong Two-Party System, the Third Zone Must Unite"

Geum Tae-seop, former lawmaker leading the third-zone new party 'Saeroun Seontaek' (New Choice), suggested the necessity of a third-zone big tent and coalition, saying that "all forces must unite to break the strong two-party system" regarding the political forces from both ruling and opposition parties pushing for a third-zone new party.

On the 18th, on KBS's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' former lawmaker Geum said, "Before the general election, we must show that we are uniting so that the two parties can be told that constant fighting like this is unacceptable," emphasizing, "If those forming new parties start by rejecting each other over small differences, saying 'this person is no good because of this' and 'we are like this,' it will be the same as the two-party system."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Besides former lawmaker Geum, lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja is leading 'Hanguk-ui Huimang' (Korea's Hope), and the political union within the Justice Party centered on lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong called 'Se Beonjjae Gwollyeok' (Third Power) is also aiming to establish a third-zone party. Given the proliferation of various political forces in the third zone, a 'big tent' is necessary. He said, "We can call it a big tent, a coalition, or an alliance, but what is truly important is to show that we come together to discuss and deliberate on critical issues," adding, "There can be differences in specific policies."

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min also stated that he will decide whether to leave the party in December, and voices predicting the joining of non-Yoon (비윤) faction members within the ruling party are emerging. Former lawmaker Geum said, "To unite forces, we must respect and wait for each person’s process of contemplation and decision in their respective situations," adding, "It is not appropriate to say beforehand that we will join if they come out, but whether they are in the People Power Party or the Democratic Party, they will try to properly build their parties until the end. However, in our judgment, that stage has passed."

Former lawmaker Geum said, "For example, former leader Lee Jun-seok was the immediate past leader of the People Power Party and is involved in reconstruction committees and efforts to restore the People Power Party, but will the People Power Party really be restored?" He added, "It was the same during the Moon Jae-in administration, and even more so under conservative governments. The ruling party just follows the president’s word, and this must be broken."

Saeroun Seontaek has set a goal of winning 30 seats in next year’s general election. When asked if the goal remains unchanged, former lawmaker Geum said, "We will have to fight a difficult election under the current system, but if we can gain the trust of voters, we believe we can secure 10% of the 300 seats," adding, "Based on that, we will work to become the ruling power in the 2027 presidential election."

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