Kim Jong-in "Is there anything to regret about Kim Jong-un... Defending North Korea over a single notification"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, and Joo Ho-young, Floor Leader, are attending the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 28th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, criticized the government and ruling party's attitude toward the Yeonpyeong Island shelling incident, saying, "They seem to be moved by the notification letter and appear to be defending North Korea."

On the 29th, Kim met with reporters in front of the Emergency Response Committee Chairman's office at the National Assembly and said, "Is there something so regrettable toward Kim Jong-un (North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman)?"

He said, "It is absolutely incomprehensible that instead of holding North Korea accountable for its malicious actions, people seem to be moved by the so-called notification letter sent from North Korea and even appear to be defending them," adding, "Regarding this issue, the President should provide a more detailed explanation to the public."

Regarding a ruling party official's use of expressions like 'enlightened monarch' about Kim Jong-un's apology, he said, "Just because they sent a single notification letter apologizing, there are many very unpleasant remarks being made," and added, "Considering the current level of the Republic of Korea, I cannot understand why Korea shows a submissive attitude toward North Korea's Kim Jong-un."

The People Power Party held solo protests related to the Yeonpyeong Island shelling incident last weekend with the floor leadership and today with lawmakers, and the provincial party organizations and party member councils nationwide have decided to hold simultaneous solo protests. Kim said, "Currently, this is the only way we can express our opinions."

Regarding the allegations against Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son and the fact that both Minister Choo and her son, Private Seo, were cleared without indictment, he said, "After seeing the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office investigation results announcement, I could not help but feel considerable disappointment," and pointed out, "I cannot help but have doubts about what the essence of prosecutorial reform really was."

He said, "Despite all the fuss about prosecutorial reform, I have to ask whether the goal of prosecutorial reform is to conduct lenient investigations for those with certain powers," adding, "Until this issue is resolved, there can be no way to respond. We have no choice but to try special investigations again."

Regarding the government's complete blockade of conservative groups' 'drive-thru' rally on Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day) on the 3rd of next month, he said, "It is not a situation where the government should declare its position so extremely," adding, "Basically, banning assemblies is to prevent COVID-19, but I cannot understand why they are taking a hardline stance on matters unrelated to COVID-19 prevention."