'Growing' Bipartisan Political Reform Group... "Senior Members' Proposal, Junior Members to Respond Soon"

49 Newly Elected Ruling and Opposition Members Positively Consider Joining Discussion Body Proposed by Senior Lawmakers

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Bipartisan political reform discussions that transcend party lines are gaining momentum. Following the proposal of the ‘Bipartisan Political Reform Lawmakers’ Group’ by senior lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, a ‘Bipartisan Political Reform Group’ led by junior lawmakers is set to join soon.

On the 10th, Kim Jong-min, a member of the Democratic Party and part of the ‘Bipartisan Political Reform Group,’ told this outlet in a phone interview, "Yesterday, in the online communication channel of the Bipartisan Political Reform Group, the senior lawmakers’ views were almost aligned with ours, so there is agreement and a consensus to continue discussions together going forward," adding, "Many people agree with this direction, so we plan to announce our (joining) position soon."

The day before, four senior Democratic Party lawmakers (Kim Sang-hee, Min Hong-chul, Jeon Hae-cheol, Jung Sung-ho), four senior People Power Party lawmakers (Kim Sang-hoon, Lee Yong-ho, Lee Jong-bae, Jo Hae-jin), and one Justice Party lawmaker (Shim Sang-jung) held a press conference to propose the ‘Bipartisan Political Reform Lawmakers’ Group’ (tentative name) to all members of the National Assembly. Through a friendly letter sent to all 300 lawmakers, the proposal aims to create a discussion channel where ruling and opposition lawmakers can come together to discuss political reform. The Bipartisan Political Reform Group appears to be the first to respond positively to this proposal.

Since the end of last year, the ‘Bipartisan Political Reform Group,’ consisting of 49 lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties including Kim, has been traveling across the National Assembly and various regions nationwide to explore the necessity and specific directions for political reform.

Kim and others expect that if the ‘Bipartisan Political Reform Group’ joins the ‘Bipartisan Political Reform Lawmakers’ Group,’ visible forums and discussions could be held within this week. Joint discussion forums seem to be the likely format.

Members of the Cross-Party Political Reform Group held a press conference on the 9th at the National Assembly regarding the election system reform plan. Attending the event were Rep. Cho Hae-jin of the People Power Party (from right), Rep. Lee Jong-bae of the People Power Party, Rep. Min Hong-chul of the Democratic Party, Rep. Shim Sang-jung of the Justice Party, Rep. Kim Sang-hee of the Democratic Party, Rep. Jeon Hae-cheol of the Democratic Party, Rep. Kim Sang-hoon of the People Power Party, Rep. Lee Yong-ho of the People Power Party, and Rep. Jung Sung-ho of the Democratic Party. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Once the ‘Bipartisan Political Reform Lawmakers’ Group’ is fully operational, it is expected to seek common ground in political reform discussions. Shim Sang-jung, a senior lawmaker from the Justice Party who was among those proposing the lawmakers’ group, appeared on KBS Radio’s ‘Choi Kyung-young’s Strong Current Affairs’ program on the same day and said, "Why do we need political reform? If more than 150 lawmakers agree on what needs to be changed and solidify that consensus, the institutional design that fits that can be accomplished with the help of experts at the Political Reform Special Committee."

Regarding the need to create a separate discussion body despite having affiliated parties, Shim explained, "While there are differences in election systems between parties, the interests among lawmakers and regions are even more intense." About future discussions, she said, "If an absolute majority of 150 lawmakers agree on the direction and principles of political reform, designing the system institutionally will require simulations and expert assistance. The Political Reform Special Committee should proceed with creating a system that aligns with those broad principles, while also coordinating regional characteristics, interests among lawmakers, and interests among parties."