Major Challenges Ahead for New Floor Leader... How Will the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee' Be Handled?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Joo Ho-young, a five-term lawmaker, has been elected as the first floor leader to lead the 21st National Assembly of the United Future Party. The newly appointed floor leader Joo faces the critical task of rallying the party, which has not yet recovered from the aftermath of the general election defeat, and standing against the overwhelming ruling party holding 180 seats. It is also crucial whether he can unite the divided opinions within the party regarding the leadership system decision and achieve the transition to the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee.'

Immediately after his election on the 8th, Floor Leader Joo told reporters at the National Assembly floor leader's office, "I will meet with former General Election Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in soon," revealing plans for a meeting. This reflects the recognition that communication with former Chairman Kim is necessary regarding the conditions for the emergency committee.

Since last month's general election defeat, the United Future Party has experienced internal strife over whether to transition to the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee.' After former leader Hwang Kyo-ahn resigned, some within the party proposed the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee,' and on the 17th of last month, former floor leader Shim Jae-cheol visited former Chairman Kim to ask him to take the position of emergency committee chairman, bringing the discussion to the surface.

However, former Chairman Kim clearly stated in an interview that he could not take the emergency committee chairman position if it was based on the existing term set to end in late August, and his demand for full authority sparked strong opposition within the party. Amid this, former floor leader Shim inquired by phone about the intentions of the elected and incumbent lawmakers, formalized the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee,' and held a national committee meeting. This led to increased opposition, with critics asking, "Should a leadership with little time left decide the party's future?" Eventually, the standing national committee was canceled due to lack of quorum, and without revising the emergency committee chairman's term, the national committee decided on the transition to the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee.'

Although formally approved, the emergency committee chairman's term remains unchanged, making it unlikely that former Chairman Kim will accept unless this is amended. Therefore, discussions to revise the party constitution are expected to take priority. He said, "The August party convention could be seen as entering a leadership battle without having a chance to reflect and repent on the general election failure, so the emergency committee is one way," adding, "(Former Chairman Kim) was approved as emergency committee chairman at the national committee, but the party constitution requiring the party convention to be held by August 31 has not been amended." However, since the standing national committee was previously canceled, the amendment process is uncertain. In particular, there are considerable voices within the party opposing the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee' and advocating for self-reliance.