Joo Ho-young: "No Evidence That TK Purge Helps Nationwide Elections"

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, is having lunch with lawmakers from the Daegu region at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 4th. Lawmakers Yoon Jae-ok (left, clockwise), Joo Ho-young, Kwak Dae-hoon, Chu Kyung-ho, Kim Sang-hoon, Leader Hwang, and Kang Hyo-sang. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Joo Ho-young, a member of the Liberty Korea Party, opposed a large-scale reshuffle in candidate nominations, stating that "there is no evidence that a reshuffle in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region helps in nationwide elections."

On the 17th, Joo appeared on YTN Radio's 'Noh Young-hee's Start of a New Morning' and said, "TK is called the stronghold of conservatism, the heart of conservatism, and has long provided the most support, with the largest number of participants even in protests outside the National Assembly." He added, "Instead of praising us, why should we, who have supported and served so much, become the target of reshuffling? There is a lot of dissatisfaction about this."

Joo predicted, "In the PK region, specifically Busan, six people from our party have already declared they will not run, and many have effectively been replaced. Therefore, I think it will not be easy for more incumbent lawmakers in PK to be excluded from nominations."

He continued, "Since there is widespread dissatisfaction, if TK and PK are replaced more than other regions without reasonable justification, it will face significant public resistance. Even now, among the 10 incumbent Liberty Korea Party lawmakers in Daegu, 7 are first-term, and 66% in Gyeongbuk are first-term, which is also due to the previous reshuffle focusing on TK," he added.

Joo emphasized, "There is no evidence that extensive reshuffling in TK and PK helps in nationwide elections. In accordance with democratic principles and party rules, the range of choices available to party members and residents should be expanded. Although it is called innovative or reshuffle nominations, if done carelessly, it will be just like the 'Jinbak' nominations from four years ago, differing only in name but still involving arbitrary decisions by a few individuals."

Regarding the so-called 'Taegukgi Unit' alliance, he said, "Although there are differences in views on the impeachment, there is agreement that the Moon Jae-in administration should not be allowed to run wild any longer. Therefore, I believe that in the long term, close cooperation will occur, both before and after the election." He added, "The problem is that many citizens do not agree with the claims of the Taegukgi faction, so there is data showing that the effect of unification is limited."

The Liberty Korea Party will be reborn as the Future United Party through a three-party merger with the New Conservative Party and the Advance Party at 2 p.m. today. Regarding this, he said, "Although there were many opinions within our party to preserve the values of freedom and Korea, the unification promotion committee insisted on including the word 'unification,' so the name Future United Party was decided. After the general election, when the party system is reorganized, there will be a stage to decide whether to keep this name or choose one that reflects the values we pursue, so this is a provisional party name."

Regarding whether Yoo Seung-min, chairman of the Conservative Reconstruction Committee of the New Conservative Party, will participate in the unification event, he said, "It would be best if he attends, but even if he does not, since practical negotiations at the party-to-party level are already underway, whether they meet or not is not that important." He added, "In fact, if Representative Hwang Kyo-ahn and Chairman Yoo Seung-min meet, it might give the wrong impression that they are trying to settle remaining issues about shares or nominations, so there is no need to meet necessarily."

On the possibility of Yoo serving as a co-chairman of the joint election committee or running in a difficult district, he said, "Since there are only about 60 days left until the election, it is difficult to introduce new people who are unprepared. Therefore, if the party needs it, I believe there is a considerable possibility that Chairman Yoo will be requested to take on such roles."