[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The 'Living Progressive Platform Sidaejeonhwan,' which is virtually the only group supported by Kim Jong-in, Chairman of the Korea Development Strategy Institute, announced that it plans to field about 20 candidates in the upcoming general election. It positions itself as a practical party led by the 30s and 40s generation, with the catchphrase of introducing 'basic income.' Chairman Kim has played a key role in past elections but is declining 'love calls' from existing parties this time.
On the 29th, a representative from Sidaejeonhwan said, "Although not yet finalized, about 20 candidates are preparing to run as district and proportional representatives, with district candidates expected mainly in the metropolitan area," adding, "Chairman Kim provides advice frequently."
Sidaejeonhwan, which held its founding declaration ceremony on the 22nd, has presented the motto of "transitioning from the ideological framework of progressivism and conservatism to practical problem-solving politics." Prominent basic income advocates Lee Won-jae, CEO of LAB2050, and Cho Jung-hoon, director of the Ajou University Unification Research Institute, are co-chair preparatory committee members.
Chairman Kim mentioned in media interviews at the end of last year that a third party led by the 30s and 40s generation is an alternative. Those preparing Sidaejeonhwan met with Chairman Kim, which became the impetus for the party's founding. On the 15th, Chairman Kim attended a debate hosted by Sidaejeonhwan and criticized, saying, "I feel completely deceived by the two (President Moon Jae-in and former President Park Geun-hye)." Recently, Representative Park Ji-won of the Alternative New Party requested joining the third zone, but Chairman Kim is reportedly not interested.
For now, he is seen as supporting Sidaejeonhwan as an alternative. A Sidaejeonhwan representative said, "We believe that instead of simply emphasizing a spirit of challenge to young people, we need to provide a basic foundation, and basic income will be the main means," adding, "Regarding unification, considering that some young generations perceive the North as a separate system, we think a gradual approach is necessary."
He added, "Efforts are also underway to recruit various figures, including those from the cultural and artistic fields."
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