Hwang Kyo-ahn "Many Concerns About Fair Elections"... Jeong Sye-gyun "Will Ensure There Is Nothing to Worry About"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun paid a courtesy call to Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, on the 17th and held a friendly talk. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun paid a courtesy visit to Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, on the 17th. Although it was a visit to greet upon taking office, with the April 15 general election just three months away, a tense exchange over election fairness also took place.

In the afternoon, Prime Minister Chung met briefly with Leader Hwang at the National Assembly. Hwang said, "With the general election approaching, many lawmakers from a specific party are involved in the government, the National Election Commission, and various ministries," adding, "There are many concerns about fair elections, so I ask the Prime Minister to carefully oversee this."

In response, Prime Minister Chung said, "Conducting the general election fairly and impartially is fundamental to the Republic of Korea," and added, "I, as well as the election-related ministry officials, will pay close attention to ensure that there is no cause for concern among the public or opposition parties."

Leader Hwang immediately raised the issue of the Central Election Commission's refusal to allow the Liberty Korea Party's satellite party to use the name 'Proportional Liberty Korea Party.' He said, "Initially, the Election Commission said there was no problem, so we registered, but later they decided it was not allowed. This is hard to accept," and emphasized again, "They should have said from the start it was not allowed, or if they reversed their decision, such a process must never happen again in elections."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized that "the Election Commission is an independent body," and responded, "I share the same hope as you, Leader, that the Election Commission handles matters well, as reversals or similar actions can cause unnecessary misunderstandings."

They also exchanged tense words over the handling of economic-related bills. When Prime Minister Chung urged, "The 20th National Assembly's term is ending soon, and many bills are pending. I ask the Liberty Korea Party to also take action on urgent livelihood bills and laws essential for preparing the 4th Industrial Revolution," Leader Hwang drew a line, saying, "If the policies are not appropriate for economic revitalization, we have no choice but to point that out. Please judge coldly and amend them properly."