Kim Jong-in "Public Apology, If Park's Verdict Comes Out... Embarrassed by the Ruling Party's Nomination Policy"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending and speaking at the forum titled "How to Protect Platform Workers? A Discussion with Special Employment Workers and Related Parties" held at the National Assembly on the 30th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stated regarding a public apology related to former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, "I will speak once the verdict for former President Park is finalized."

After a discussion with special employment workers and related parties held at the National Assembly on the morning of the same day, Chairman Kim told reporters, "Currently, only one person (former President Lee) has a confirmed verdict, and we need to wait for the other person," expressing this view.

Chairman Kim has previously expressed his intention to issue a public apology concerning the imprisonment of former presidents, emphasizing the need to clearly settle the past. On the 21st, he also stated, "Since the trial is ongoing, let's wait and see, but depending on the situation, it might be done within this year," showing his willingness.

Regarding the Democratic Party of Korea's de facto decision to field candidates in the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections scheduled for April next year, he criticized, calling it "an embarrassing act for a political party." He pointed out, "They set their party rules but now, claiming party member voting as an excuse, they want to nominate candidates because the situation changed," and added, "If they don't like it, they intend to change the legal reasoning to suit their will."

On the topic of a 100% public primary within the party, he said, "Such discussions came up in the primary preparation committee, but then the question arises: why do our party members exist? This issue is also involved," and added, "I believe an appropriate compromise will be reached." Regarding the by-election plans, he stated, "After the Busan public hearing today and the Seoul public hearing early next month, the primary rules will be finalized around mid-November."