Jinpyo Kim: "Democratic Party Primary, Like 'Messi vs Ronaldo'... YouTube National Interview"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Jin-pyo, chairman of the nomination committee, along with other attendees at the nomination committee meeting for the April 7 by-elections held at the National Assembly on the 19th, are shouting "Fighting" before the start of the meeting. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Kim Jin-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party and chairman of the nomination management committee, revealed plans for a YouTube public interview regarding the April by-election primaries, stating, "I want to make it like a Messi vs. Ronaldo soccer match."

On the 20th, Kim appeared on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' and said, "Representative star politicians of our party include Representative Woo Sang-ho and Minister Park Young-sun," adding, "I think we should make it like a soccer match between Messi and Ronaldo."

Regarding the public interview, he said, "We plan to broadcast it fully on the Democratic Party's YouTube channel," and explained, "Candidates will be given presentation time to effectively communicate their vision and policies, and the nomination committee members will dynamically operate by asking questions raised in the chat window on behalf of the public."

He continued, "The highest scoring factor in the nomination committee's evaluation is a suitability survey based on public opinion polls, accounting for 40%," and explained, "This means giving citizens and party members the opportunity to directly participate in evaluating candidates and reflecting it in the suitability survey in advance."

Until now, party candidate interviews were conducted privately and formally for about 5 to 10 minutes, but this will change. Ahead of the Democratic Party primary scheduled for the 8th of next month (50% party members, 50% public opinion poll), it is expected to effectively showcase the candidates' appeal and capabilities.

Regarding opposition party trends, he said, "Chairman Kim Jong-in says they can win even in a three-way race, but I doubt if that is his true intention," adding, "The proof is yesterday when Representative Ahn Cheol-soo proposed a one-shot primary, and immediately heard responses like 'Don't use tricks.' Seeing this, I think they believe a three-way race should not happen."

On the controversy over the fourth disaster relief fund, Kim said, "The party's position is that social distancing is still at level 2.5, and the kind of uniform disaster relief fund distributed equally to all residents, as suggested by Gyeonggi Province, is ultimately for stimulating consumption," adding, "Since gatherings of five or more people are not allowed, the timing is not appropriate. I think it should be considered later when the number of confirmed cases decreases and social distancing is relaxed, and when economic recovery becomes more important. I believe that judgment is correct."

There was also a question about Democratic Party Policy Committee Chairman Hong Ik-pyo's mention the day before of banks stopping or limiting interest. Kim explained, "Countries like the UK, Germany, and France evaluate companies and financial institutions not only based on financial assessments but also ESG evaluations, which assess environmental and social responsibilities, transparent and traceable governance, and future orientation."

He added, "This means evaluating sustainable companies," and said, "If banks evaluate that reducing interest on microfinance is the most efficient method, such measures could be introduced. I think that was the opinion expressed. It is not mandatory."