"I'm Neither Progressive Nor Conservative, I'm Park Jinyoung... I Declined Ministerial Privileges"

"Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Presidential Secretary, personally visited me... Initially offered a full-time position"
"I have no intention of belonging to any political camp"

Park Jinyoung, Chairman of the Committee for Popular Culture Exchange, is seen conversing with President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the state banquet of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on the 1st. Photo by Park Jinyoung Instagram

Park Jinyoung, CEO of JYP Entertainment and Chairman of the Committee for Popular Culture Exchange, appeared on a variety show and explained the background behind his acceptance of the chairmanship. He stated that his motivation was to try things for the K-pop industry that cannot be accomplished at the corporate level.

On the 5th, Park Jinyoung appeared on MBC's variety show "Radio Star" and explained that he accepted the chairmanship of the Committee for Popular Culture Exchange after declining the offer several times. He said, "At first, I was offered a full-time position, but I refused for three months. Even when I gave various reasons for declining, Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, managed to resolve each of them," adding, "Eventually, I had no reason left to refuse. If it were a full-time position, I could receive a salary, but since I also have to perform as a singer and appear on 'Radio Star,' how could I manage all of it?"

He also addressed some criticism suggesting that his acceptance of the chairmanship under President Lee Jaemyung's administration was an expression of political ideology. Park Jinyoung said, "In capitalism, if the government does not intervene, the system is too advantageous to the wealthy. That is why progressive policies are essential to protect ordinary people," adding, "However, if the government protects the common people too much compared to other countries, capitalists will move elsewhere. To prevent this, conservative policies are also necessary."

He emphasized that he is neither progressive nor conservative, but simply doing what needs to be done. Park Jinyoung said, "Looking at the times and other countries, balance is necessary. I have no intention of belonging to any political camp," adding, "I am not with the progressives or the conservatives; I am just Park Jinyoung."