Kim Jong-in: "Ahn Cheol-soo's Political Capabilities Are Well Known... No Effect from Integration" (Summary)

"No Interest in Running for President... A Very Futile Thought"
"Regarding Park's Impeachment, Will Officially Apologize Once Legal Process Is Completed"
"Saying the Three Fair Economy Laws Are Absolutely Problematic Is Not Correct"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stated on the 24th regarding Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People Party, “(Ahn’s) political capabilities are well known to others even if I do not evaluate them myself.”

At a discussion hosted by the Broadcast Journalists Club that day, Chairman Kim said, “At first, I told him that if he wanted to do politics, he should enter the National Assembly and learn properly. Then he said to me that members of the National Assembly do nothing, so why should he become a member?”

Regarding the issue of integration with the People Party, Chairman Kim explained, “What can be achieved by integration? In my view, it will not have a significant effect,” adding, “Our country’s political parties have tried merging and uniting, but there are hardly any successful cases.” He continued, “Right now, because Ahn is highlighted in the media, it seems like there is interest, but I know well who Ahn is,” and said, “Ahn says that People Power has not properly changed, so he is not interested. We do not need to take an interest in those people or think about merging with them.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding his own presidential candidacy, Chairman Kim said, “To be honest, I am not interested. People talk a lot about this and that, but it is a very futile thought,” adding, “I am now 80 years old, and as the Emergency Committee Chairman, the atmosphere does not at all suggest that I am aiming for such things.”

About opposition presidential candidates, Chairman Kim said, “I will not mention specific names, but it is certain that there are three or four people,” and added, “It is just that what kind of vision they will present to the people has not yet been realized.”

Regarding the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, Chairman Kim said, “Actually, before I became Emergency Committee Chairman, I suggested that for the People Power Party to gain public trust and show a changed image, the party should officially apologize regarding two former presidents,” and added, “Once the legal situation is finalized, we plan to officially apologize in the party’s name.”

On the relationship with the Taegeukgi Unit, Chairman Kim stated, “Honestly, I think there is no direct connection between the Taegeukgi Unit and the People Power Party.” Regarding the drive-thru rallies, he said, “Since we requested restraint on rallies due to quarantine measures, I think reasonable people accepted it to some extent,” adding, “If someone insists on doing it regardless, there is no way to stop them.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the so-called ‘Fair Economy 3 Laws’ including amendments to the Commercial Act, the Fair Trade Act, and the Financial Group Supervision Act, Chairman Kim said, “I do not think it is right to say unconditionally that there is a problem or that these are anti-market laws without discussing specifics,” emphasizing, “If there are problems with the laws, people can express their views during the legislative process, and if accepted, they will be reflected.” On opposition from party lawmakers, he said, “Since there are quite a few lawmakers, it is inevitable that some express this opinion and others that opinion,” adding, “I do not think that itself will necessarily have a decisive impact on the legislative process.”

Chairman Kim stated, “My final historic mission is to rebuild the foundation for the People Power Party to regain public trust and return to power,” and added, “We will change the party to fit the times and become a party that walks with the weak. We will stand tall as an alternative party that embraces the pain of the people.”