[Promising Newcomer] Democratic Party's Heo Young "Basic Income Planned Since Candidacy... Thoroughly Prepared"

Entered Politics as Secretary to Former Chairman Kim Geuntae
Entered National Assembly After 4 Attempts in Conservative Stronghold
Active in Basic Income and Green New Deal Legislation

Heo Young, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] "I hope to be remembered as a politician who spoke of 'hope' during difficult times and as a politician who knows how to 'empathize' with the times."

This is the pledge of Heo Young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (Chuncheon-Cheorwon-Hwacheon-Yanggu Gap), who was selected as the "most promising first-term lawmaker chosen by first-term lawmakers" in Asia Economy's survey of first-term National Assembly members.

In an interview with this publication, Rep. Heo said, "There are many people more outstanding than me, so this is an undeserved honor," and added, "I will do my utmost to create a 'working National Assembly' with senior and fellow lawmakers."

Heo, a former president of the Korea University Student Council, first entered politics in 2003 as a secretary to the late Kim Geun-tae, chairman of the Uri Party. While preparing to study abroad, he was led by his university senior, Rep. Lee In-young of the Democratic Party, to meet Kim, and was immediately hired as a secretary.

Kim was also the decisive reason Heo chose his hometown as his electoral district. Kim advised Heo during his lifetime, saying, "Everyone tries to do it easily in Seoul, but if you prepare with a 10-year outlook in your hometown, you will get an opportunity," encouraging him to run in the Gangwon region.

After three attempts, Heo entered the 21st National Assembly. The preparation period was 12 years. It was a major topic that he defeated Kim Jin-tae, a Future United Party lawmaker known as an icon of pro-Park Geun-hye conservatives, in a conservative stronghold and the political hub of Gangwon Province. Heo recalled his campaign, saying, "I really started from zero. I prioritized meeting residents directly and listening to their words while traveling throughout the region," adding, "As a result, I naturally understood the residents' practical difficulties and local issues, clarifying what I needed to do. The residents gradually began to trust me as they saw my consistent attitude and developing capabilities."

Heo also has a unique background of having served twice as chief of staff to metropolitan government heads. He worked closely with Choi Moon-soon, governor of Gangwon Province, and Park Won-soon, mayor of Seoul, and explained that those experiences became a significant political asset. Heo said, "The position of chief of staff requires both political and administrative skills. It is a role that demands handling numerous administrative tasks based on a deep understanding of the local government with the keen sense of a politician," adding, "I was trained through sufficient experience in Gangwon-do, my hometown and electoral district, and in Seoul, which can be considered a microcosm of South Korea. Only the stage has changed. I will continue to do well."

Heo Young, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Regarding the Democratic Party's transformation into a giant party with 176 seats, Heo evaluated, "The whole country was filled with tension and a sense of crisis due to COVID-19. The election results reflected the public sentiment wary of continued division and political strife in such a situation." He added, "As the ruling party with a solid majority, the Democratic Party of Korea faces a critical period to demonstrate national governance that overcomes the crisis. I hope the opposition parties, including the Future United Party, understand the public's wish for responsible checks and balances rather than outright opposition and participate in governance."

Heo identified stabilizing people's livelihoods as the most urgent and important task amid the COVID-19 economic crisis. He diagnosed, "Especially self-employed and small business owners have suffered significant damage from this crisis, and if we fail to respond effectively, a chain crisis could spread throughout the economy." He continued, "Fortunately, with the government's and party's swift response, including emergency disaster relief funds and supplementary budgets, we can monitor the situation. However, we must not relax and should consider additional measures at the National Assembly level."

Among first-term lawmakers, Heo is one of the most active in discussing the introduction of basic income, which has become a major political issue following the recent spread of COVID-19. He is involved in the National Assembly research group 'Basic Income Research Group' and is preparing related bills. Heo said, "In fact, the basic income discussion has recently become overheated more than expected," adding, "Since there is no established consensus or clear direction within the ongoing basic income movement, such excessive sensationalism could harm the essence of the discussion, so I intend to approach it cautiously." He continued, "I expect there will be diverse opinions within the research group. After repeated deliberations internally, I hope it will be easier to reach social consensus later," and confidently stated, "Basic income has been a system I have envisioned since my first campaign, so I am well prepared."

Heo is also reviewing bills that can be linked to the government's recently promoted Green New Deal. Heo said, "I am actively consulting with relevant ministries to establish a water thermal energy cluster, an eco-friendly future energy project, in Chuncheon, and I am willing to support it through legislation," adding, "I also plan to align related laws for the creation of Chuncheon Lake National Garden, my first campaign pledge, with the development of the Green New Deal plan."