Jo Kyung-tae: "Kim Jong-in's Emergency Committee, Important Procedures Like the National Committee Meeting Still Remain"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Jo Kyung-tae, a member of the Future United Party, hinted at the possibility of the decision being overturned at the National Committee regarding the transition to the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Response Committee (ERC).' He emphasized the 'self-reliance theory,' stating that it is not good for outsiders to dominate the party.

On the 25th, Jo appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "Floor Leader Joo Ho-young seems to have rushed too quickly with the results of the elected members' workshop and formed an opinion with former Standing Election Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in."

Floor Leader Joo, through the elected members' workshops held on the 21st and 22nd, resolved to transition to the 'Kim Jong-in ERC' and requested former General Election Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in to take the position of ERC Chairman.

However, Jo pointed out that deciding on the ERC without going through the National Committee and the National Standing Committee procedures was premature. He said, "Since this is actually about extending the ERC Chairman's term, the procedures of the Standing National Committee and the National Committee must be followed respectively," adding, "These procedures have not yet been carried out."

The United Party also attempted to extend the term by holding a Standing National Committee last month, but it was canceled due to a lack of quorum. When asked about the possibility of this happening again, Jo said, "Recent polls overwhelmingly show more public opinion in favor of holding the party convention before August," and criticized, "There are many criticisms about the irresponsible image of a party that frequently brings in outsiders, so if the National Committee reflects the will of the majority of party members, it will not easily pass."

Although the elected members passed the 'Kim Jong-in ERC' at the workshop, the proportion of elected members in the Standing National Committee or National Committee is small, so there is a possibility that the ERC could be overturned at the National Committee. Jo said, "In the case of the Democratic Party of Korea, even though they won about 81 seats in 2008, they did not entrust their operations to outsiders but formed a new leadership through a party convention, showing their current image as a governing party," adding, "It is quite frustrating and regrettable that our party does not show such an image."

Regarding the composition of the 'Kim Jong-in ERC,' which centers on people in their 30s and 40s, he said, "Our party has been too dependent on outsiders, an external dependency type, from the 20th National Assembly until now," and added, "Although those who come from outside certainly make efforts, ultimately, the responsibility part inevitably becomes quite insufficient."

Jo also criticized on YTN Radio's 'No Young-hee's Start of a New Morning,' saying, "Relying on an external ERC in the 20th National Assembly and again this time is not a very good image," and "Senior party members are showing a weak and cowardly attitude by not taking responsibility."

Regarding why he advocates the 'self-reliance theory,' he said, "When our party shows a bit more ability to stand on its own in the future, the public can trust our party a little more," adding, "Efforts to do things ourselves, self-reflection, and not avoiding responsibility are important to rise through responsible politics." On the reinstatement of independent lawmakers, he said, "Dragging it out is not appropriate," and "It should proceed according to the party constitution and regulations."