Opposition Urges Establishment of Fully Open Primary Platform
Proposes Constitutional Amendments Including Parliamentary System and Large Multi-member Districts
Factionalism Threatens Future... Calls for Leadership of Unity
On Rejoining Party Issue: "Seems Like a Matter of Time"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Independent lawmaker Kim Tae-ho stated on the 29th that in order to achieve a regime change, a broad opposition coalition including all forces and a fully open primary platform must be established.
On the afternoon of the same day, at the 'Forum for a Better World' (Mapo Forum) led by former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Moo-sung, Kim said, "It's not about who can or cannot do it, but anyone should come forward on the platform and show their abilities. Through cutoffs, citizens and the public should choose the candidate, and that candidate should become our party's nominee." He added, "In conclusion, I think we need to reshape the game."
Kim emphasized, "Just as unknown contestants became stars through the competition process in Mr. Trot, we can definitely achieve this as well. Although unseen, new sprouts emerge even from frozen ground. I believe we can do it."
Kim pointed out, "The most important values in the constitution?fairness, justice, and morality?are all thrown onto the streets right now. We need to restore these values to their rightful place." He added, "Why did this situation arise? We bear significant responsibility. The way factions within our camp pursued their own interests appeared greedy and unacceptable from the public's perspective."
Kim said, "The candlelight public sentiment is neither conservative nor progressive. I believe it contained the will of the people yearning for change because the current situation is unacceptable." He expressed regret, saying, "I deeply wish we had used that demand for change to institutionalize reforms for the country's future."
Kim criticized, "The biggest mistake of the Moon Jae-in administration was distorting such public sentiment. The greatest tragedy was using that power not as energy for the nation's future but for factional interests."
Kim stated, "The biggest obstacle threatening our future is factional logic. If there is no bridge connecting the completely separate and isolated factions, even if we come to power, nothing will change." He added, "This part requires a prerequisite change in the political system."
Referring to Germany's example, Kim said, "We must now move to a parliamentary system. Also, the electoral system should change to a large multi-member district system." He proposed constitutional amendments to President Moon Jae-in and the ruling party, saying, "This conviction will not change after this time."
Kim said, "History divides us, the people are divided, there are Seocho-dong people and Gwanghwamun people?what is this?" He added, "Now is not the time for a zero-sum game but a win-win game. Without such integrative leadership, survival is impossible."
When asked whether far-right forces should also be embraced, Kim responded, "This discussion could potentially cause another division." He emphasized, "The biggest principle is that anyone can come in. Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, accountant Kim Kyung-yul, and People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo should all be able to come onto the stage."
After the forum, Kim told reporters, "I think it would be better to return to the party than remain independent to better express my will and thoughts. In fact, I have been taking a low-key approach close to silence with this in mind." He added, "I must devote myself selflessly to restoring the regime, and I also think that if I lose this fight, everything could end. This is because there are many doubts about whether the path this government is taking is the condition for South Korea's success."
Kim said, "I want to go through the (fully open primary) process now, show my abilities, be evaluated, and I also have a strong desire to win. I hope this can be seen as taking a step forward."
Regarding his return to the party, Kim said, "The People Power Party is my home, so where else would I go? I think it's just a matter of time." He added, "The important thing is that the broad opposition must come together in a big framework."
Former lawmaker Kim said, "Mr. Trot is often mentioned, but the key to its success is that the public is enthusiastic about seeing fair competition." He added, "The ideology of the younger generation is more about realizing a fair competitive society than left or right. If we achieve this, we can win."
Kim said, "To save the country from the ruin caused by the Moon Jae-in administration, we all must unite." He added, "To hold a fully open primary, a very difficult process must be undertaken. It will be necessary to appeal tearfully and persuade party members who resist."
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