Kim Jong-in says "I hate conservatives"… "It's a conservative party, so can't we use conservative?" Internal party backlash rises

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Voices of opposition within the party are gradually growing against Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, who has been showing a 'post-conservative' stance day after day, saying "I dislike the word conservative." There are concerns that Kim’s preemption of progressive agendas such as basic income could potentially erase the conservative identity.

On the 5th, Jang Je-won, a United Future Party lawmaker, wrote on his Facebook, "I am beginning to wonder whether Kim’s actions are something we should just criticize," and questioned, "Can we simply overlook the erratic behavior such as announcing the implementation of a basic income system and then seemingly stepping back in a press conference, or the remarks made during the Justice Party visit, as efforts for our party’s change and innovation?"

He criticized Kim for making a 'left turn' rather than innovating. He pointed out, "He came into a conservative party and told us not to use the word conservative, even blatantly saying he dislikes conservatism. It seems he is trying to create a 'Hong Gil-dong Party' that cannot even call a father a father. There was even a study group he attended that changed a name containing 'conservative'."

Jeong Jin-seok, who was the first presenter at the United Future Party’s 'Cider Policy Seminar' the day before, also emphasized change but indirectly criticized by saying, "They say not to use the word conservative, but I cannot agree with that." Former United Future Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min also emphasized the value of reform conservatism in an interview on the internet fan cafe 'Yusimcho' YouTube broadcast on the 4th, stating, "The collapse of Korean conservatism ultimately means handing over the authority and responsibility of running the country to incompetent and unclean progressive forces."

Despite internal opposition such as 'left turn' and 'pseudo-Democratic Party,' Kim is pushing forward with bold moves. On the 4th, at the emergency committee meeting, Kim said, "I think it is time to fundamentally review the issue of basic income," adding, "We must establish policies with unprecedented determination. Only then can we ensure the stability of the people and defend the social community."

Additionally, the United Future Party appointed former lawmaker Kim Seon-dong and Ham Kyung-woo, the party committee chair for Goyang-eul in Gyeonggi Province, as Secretary-General and Deputy Head of Organization, respectively. Both ran unsuccessfully in the last general election for Dobong-eul in Seoul and Goyang-eul. It is unusual that the Secretary-General position, traditionally held by senior incumbent lawmakers, was given to Kim Seon-dong. The Deputy Head of Organization also holds symbolic significance as he comes from Honam, a humble background, and party staff. The Deputy Head of Organization is a key position responsible for managing constituencies and candidate nominations. This move is seen as a strategic step by Kim to consolidate control over the party organization. It appears to be a judgment that establishing an identity transcending ideology and region is urgent ahead of the 2022 presidential election.