[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, dismissed the 'Kim Jong-in presidential candidate theory' circulating in some circles by saying he has "no political ambition." He also urged a cold assessment of whether the United Future Party has properly adapted to the 30s and 40s generation, stating, "Emphasizing ideology any further is meaningless."
On the 18th, Chairman Kim said at the United Future Party's non-face-to-face online training for local council members, "A party that does not adapt to changes in public consciousness cannot succeed."
He pointed out, "No one in South Korea denies that the United Future Party is a conservative party. Emphasizing ideology any further holds no meaning for us," adding, "It is necessary to coldly judge whether we have behaved in a way that properly adapts to the 30s and 40s generation until now."
Regarding the Democratic Party's recent criticism linking the Gwanghwamun protests to the United Future Party, he said, "The Democratic Party is criticizing as if the United Future Party jointly led the Gwanghwamun protests," and added, "Our people will see that and think the Democratic Party's actions are childish."
Chairman Kim emphasized, "Do you think using the COVID-19 outbreak as a political tool will help the Democratic Party? If the United Future Party trusts the people and quietly does its work, the people will have no choice but to support us."
Regarding the recent Blue House proposal for a summit meeting, he said, "The other day, the Blue House political secretary came to me and said, 'The president would like to have a meal together,' and I replied, 'What good is eating together now?' Suddenly, it was said that the United Future Party refused," adding, "I felt these people are very frustrated. How frustrated must they be to keep creating issues?"
Some have raised voices suggesting that Chairman Kim might run as a presidential candidate himself. In response, he said, "I have no political ambition. I am 80 years old; what other thoughts would I have now?" He added, "I will thoroughly prepare through the Emergency Committee activities to ensure victory in the Seoul mayoral and Busan mayoral by-elections scheduled for April 7 next year, and do my best to build a foundation for regaining power in the presidential election."
Regarding remarks by Kim Won-woong, Chairman of the Liberation Association, he said, "There may be people who make such extreme remarks to highlight their existence," and criticized, "I feel sorry for the ruling power that just watches such things silently."
He also warned about internal party noise. Chairman Kim said, "Recently, the party has shown a somewhat quiet appearance, and the public seems to have the impression that 'they are maturing,'" adding, "Support seems to be rising in recent polls, but we must never be satisfied."
He continued, "We must never create a situation where public support suddenly turns back at any time," and urged, "Party members and comrades should thoroughly recognize the situation, be cautious with their actions and words, and faithfully follow the instructions of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency director during this COVID-19 outbreak."
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