Hwang Kyo-ahn Proposes One-on-One Summit With President Moon... Vows Constitutional Revision After Election Victory (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, Lee Jieun and Kim Hyemin] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, announced on January 22 his plan to pursue constitutional revision after winning the general election, aiming to keep the imperial presidency in check. He also proposed a one-on-one summit with President Moon Jae-in. Emphasizing that the core of party innovation lies in candidate nominations, he called for sacrifices from those in leadership positions.

At a New Year's press conference held at the party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Hwang stated, "Since I took office as the leader of the main opposition party, I have never had a one-on-one meeting with the president to discuss current issues." He continued, "I have requested such a meeting several times, but there has been no response. I strongly urge the president not to be criticized as a leader who refuses to meet with the opposition party leader and ignores the voice of the people."

Hwang went on to say, "Based on a sweeping victory in the general election, I will push for constitutional revision to fundamentally block the imperial presidency," adding, "This is to establish a legal foundation for Korea to achieve sustainable development without being hindered by political gridlock." In this context, he advised President Moon, "Become the president of the Republic of Korea, entrusted by the people under the Constitution. Stop undermining the constitutional order and dividing our country. Free yourself from the influence of Cho Kuk and specific factions."

He also unveiled an innovation plan centered on nominating young candidates. "Until the public is satisfied, until they say it is enough, we will change everything," he said. "We have created the most innovative nomination standards, but to complete this innovation, the spirit of sacrifice from those in leadership positions, including myself, is essential. To win the general election, we must systematically focus and mobilize the party's capabilities." These remarks were aimed at senior politicians from the Yeongnam region, including former party leader Hong Joon-pyo and former South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Tae-ho, who are preparing to run in the region.

Previously, the party's general election planning committee announced nomination criteria that would cut off (exclude from nomination) one-third of incumbent district lawmakers and replace up to 50% of sitting members. They also pledged to nominate 30% of candidates from the younger generation in their 20s to 40s to create a younger party.

Hwang stated, "I will take on any role myself. The nomination management committee chairperson will be given full authority and responsibility over all nomination decisions," emphasizing that he has delegated full powers. He added, "Along with innovation, we will also achieve unity. We will unite all forces opposing the Moon Jae-in administration. Unity is a duty."

Hwang appealed, "In the April general election, the people must ultimately decide whether to judge the Moon administration and reclaim a free and prosperous Korea, or to allow the Moon administration's reckless course to continue. I urge you to judge the administration on national security, the economy, real estate, and politics."

He stressed, "Victory in the general election will be the starting point for a major transformation. We will overturn the election law and the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency Act, both of which were railroaded through last December. We will also restore the precious constitutional values of freedom, justice, fairness, and equality that the Moon administration has undermined." Hwang added, "If dreams and hopes are revived, the division among the people caused by the Moon administration's factional politics over the past three years will also be healed. For that day, I earnestly ask for a decisive judgment against the Moon administration and overwhelming support for the Liberty Korea Party."