[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Joo Ho-young, the candidate for floor leader of the United Future Party, raised his voice to "overcome the sense of defeat" in order to rise above the general election loss. Meanwhile, candidate Kwon Young-se said he would show new leadership, stating, "No matter what happens, let's not go back to the past."
After the discussion at the 'Elected Members' General Meeting for the Election of Floor Leader and Policy Committee Chair' held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 8th, candidate Joo said, "There is a valuable experience of rising from a devastating defeat. We just need to return to basics."
He said, "What we must solve most urgently is overcoming the sense of defeat. If we start with the basics and proceed step by step with organization, policy, talent discovery, election preparation, publicity, and party member education, I believe opportunities will come. Another issue to resolve is the culture that fails to produce timely consensus-based decision-making. For the 21st National Assembly, we must have intense internal party discussions from the start but quickly reach conclusions and accept them, creating a culture where party members and the public see us as one team."
Candidate Joo recalled, "In moments of crisis, I think of General Stockdale's leadership. Among many prisoners in Vietnam, he survived nearly ten years in a prison camp through his leadership." He added, "It is not vague optimism but acknowledging harsh reality and making desperate and persistent efforts that can save everyone."
Candidate Kwon said, "No matter what happens, let's not go back to the past. You cannot enter a burning house just because you left the land deed behind." He continued, "Let's give up vested interests. Let's abandon old methods of struggle. If we practice change and innovation one by one, the public will support us."
He added, "Just as there are principles to follow when escaping a disaster, four principles are needed for party reconstruction. This time, we must definitely change. We need to swiftly implement crisis response measures while creating fundamental and sustainable solutions."
He went on, "A spirit of unity to overcome the crisis together is necessary. We must not knock down those ahead of us, but the party must not ignore the hardships of its members either." He concluded, "We need to change political language. Instead of provocative criticism, presenting rational alternatives that resonate with the public should come first. I will start by reforming the Yeouido-style rhetoric myself."
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