[Exclusive] Kim Dong-yeon Likely to Join 'Sidae Jeonhwan' in the Third Zone... "In Close Discussions"

'Replacement of Political Forces' & 'Practical Approach' Homogeneity
Connection Between Jo Jeonghun, Leader of Sidaejeonhwan, and World Bank Experience

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and prospective presidential candidate Kim Dong-yeon, who has received simultaneous love calls from both ruling and opposition parties, is expected to join the third zone with ‘Sidae Jeonhwan’ (Time for Change). Sidae Jeonhwan is a small political party with only one member of the National Assembly, Representative Jo Jeong-hoon (party leader). It is interpreted that former Deputy Prime Minister Kim intends to run in next year’s presidential election with the motto of replacing the ruling party or the first conservative opposition party with a new political force.

A Sidae Jeonhwan official said in a phone call with Asia Economy on the 23rd, "We are planning to nominate a presidential candidate from Sidae Jeonhwan and are in close discussions with former Deputy Prime Minister Kim." Founded ahead of the general election in April last year, Sidae Jeonhwan shares common ground with former Deputy Prime Minister Kim in criticizing the inefficiency of existing politics and aiming for practical and realistic policies.

Also, Representative Jo, the party leader, worked with Kim during their time at the World Bank in a so-called ‘mentor-mentee’ relationship, and when Kim was president of Ajou University, Jo served as an invited professor at the same university’s Graduate School of International Studies. Last month, on MBC Radio, Representative Jo said about former Deputy Prime Minister Kim, "He showed a positive stance on universal welfare and the four-day workweek, which Sidae Jeonhwan advocates." However, Kim’s position on basic income is known to be cautious and reserved.

Some members of Sidae Jeonhwan are already practically assisting former Deputy Prime Minister Kim in various activities. Kim appeared on SBS broadcast the day before and introduced the song ‘Sidae Yugam’ (Regret of the Times) by ‘Seo Taiji and Boys.’ Above all, they share a common recognition of the need for a ‘paradigm shift,’ that is, ‘the game must be changed.’

On the same day, Kim appeared on KBS Radio and expressed a negative view of the two-party system, saying, "One side wants a blind regime change, and the other wants to recreate the regime, but no matter what the outcome is, can the long-standing issues of over 20 years really be solved?" He also emphasized, "A small spark can burn down a thatched house," and "There must be a new attempt to break the existing structure." If the existing political circles do not undergo a radical transformation, a new force must emerge.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim is preparing the ‘Gyeongjang (更張) Forum,’ which means reforming old political and social systems, and plans to launch it as early as the end of this month. It is expected that he will begin his full-fledged activities as a presidential candidate from that point. Currently, his most reliable ally is former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in. Recently, Kim Jong-in gave high praise through the media, saying, "He has a very good grasp of reality," and "He can be a game changer." Kim Jong-in also has a friendly relationship with Sidae Jeonhwan, having planned to give a congratulatory speech at the party’s founding event last February but was unable to attend due to circumstances.

A representative from former Deputy Prime Minister Kim’s side said, "The launch of the Gyeongjang Forum will take place as early as the end of this month or by mid-next month at the latest, but it is difficult to talk about specific political moves at this time."