[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and candidate for party leader, stated that it is uncertain whether the August 29 party convention will be held as scheduled due to the 'National Assembly shutdown.' On the 26th, a reporter covering the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting tested positive for COVID-19, leading the attending leadership and party officials to enter self-quarantine on the same day, and the National Assembly has closed major facilities.
On the morning of the 27th, Park appeared on MBC Radio and, when asked if there would be any changes to the party convention schedule, said, "That is exactly the part I am worried about," adding, "The entire leadership and key party officials have effectively entered self-quarantine. Because of this, I am concerned whether the party convention can proceed normally."
He continued, "We are no longer attending the Supreme Council meetings, and so far, there has been no special contact or updates," adding, "I think some decision will likely be made around today."
When asked if there is a possibility of schedule changes, he replied, "I cannot say for sure, but since the entire leadership is effectively in quarantine, I am not sure if the party convention can be held without the leadership."
Park also expressed difficulties faced during the election campaign. He said, "If it had proceeded normally, not in an untact (contactless) manner like two years ago, many people would have come to support me visibly, but now, since gatherings themselves are difficult, the aspects that come close to the skin feel somewhat weak, and because of that, the momentum has not been strong and some things have not gone well."
Regarding the second disaster relief fund payment, which he advocated as 'support for all citizens,' he said, "I asked Lee Nak-yeon whether he was considering fiscal soundness and if he was thinking of a certain percentage as a limit, but Candidate Lee did not say so. There are research results from the Eurozone showing that if fiscal soundness is considered and fiscal spending is passive, fiscal soundness can actually be damaged."
He added, "Even the top 10th income decile pays the most taxes, and if they suffer damage from economic contraction but receive no benefits, there will be significant problems in terms of acceptability, making the persuasion process difficult. Considering these aspects, I suggested giving support to all citizens." Earlier, Lee had stated that selective support is necessary, saying, "I think it is right to provide differentiated support to help those in greater difficulty." Former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum expressed the position that support should be given to all citizens.
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