Yang Hyang-ja and Geum Tae-seop Push for New Party Formation
Speculation Continues on Pro-Park Alliance and Non-Mainstream Factions
Experts Emphasize Importance of 'Figures' and 'Colors'
As the general election for the National Assembly approaches next year, a 'new party formation' wave is sweeping through Yeouido. Due to political distrust toward the two major parties, the People Power Party and the Democratic Party of Korea, the 'third zone new party' is gaining momentum. Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop and independent lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja are each pushing for the establishment of new parties, and movements preparing for other new parties are spreading. However, experts analyze that for a new party to succeed, a substantial 'figure' to serve as a focal point and a clear 'color' are necessary, and under the current circumstances, their futures remain a 'question mark.'
Following Hanguk-ui Huimang, New Parties... Rush of New Party Formations
Yang Hyang-ja, Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee for the Establishment of Hope of Korea, is announcing the founding declaration at the Hope of Korea Founding Promoters' Meeting held at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 26th of last month. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
The first figure to show movement toward new party formation ahead of next year's general election is independent lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja, formerly of the Democratic Party of Korea. On the 26th of last month, Yang held the founding promoters' meeting for 'Hanguk-ui Huimang' at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul. As of the 20th of the same month, the founding promoters numbered 1,023, including Kim Seong-yong, CEO of CR Real Estate Economic Research Institute; Kang Shin-woo, CEO of comprehensive planning company Artisan (former policy advisor at the National Security Office); Choi Jin-seok, emeritus professor of philosophy at Sogang University; Lim Hyung-gyu, former vice chairman of SK Group; Choi Myung-sook, director of Gwangju Hyundai Hospital; and Choi Yeon-hyeok, professor of political science at Linnaeus University in Sweden.
The new party preparation group led by former lawmaker Geum, 'Reflection and Exploration for a Different Future,' finalized the new party's name as the 'New Party Preparation Committee' (Saeroun-dang) on the 3rd. Along with this, preparations for the party's establishment were intensified. Former lawmaker Geum recruited Kwak Dae-jung, a convenience store owner who operates under the pen name 'Bong Dal-ho,' as the first member. Jeong Ho-hee, former spokesperson for the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, was appointed as the executive director overseeing practical affairs.
Within the Democratic Party, there are expectations for a 'non-mainstream new party' centered around former leader Lee Nak-yeon and for former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae to form a new party. On the 6th, Democratic Party lawmaker Jo Eung-cheon appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs' and said about former Minister Choo, "To resume politics, she needs justification and a base, and she is trying to bring back the so-called hardline supporters as her own base," adding, "I think she will eventually join hands with former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk."
Inside and outside the People Power Party, there is speculation that a new party similar to the 'Pro-Park Alliance' formed ahead of the 18th general election could emerge. Choi Kyung-han, former deputy prime minister considered an 'original pro-Park' during the Park Geun-hye administration, has recently started political activities, including meeting former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok. There are also rumors of former senior secretary for political affairs Woo Byung-woo, who was the 'king chief secretary' at the Park Geun-hye Blue House, running for office. Former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Yong-nam said on YTN Radio's 'Shin Yul's News Face-off' on the 4th, "There is a possibility that a pro-Park alliance will appear in next year's general election," adding, "I think former Deputy Prime Minister Choi or those who were key figures in the Park Geun-hye government might be considering such (new party formation)." A senior People Power Party lawmaker said, "Apart from the pro-Park alliance, a new party representing the far-right might also emerge."
Limits of Two-Party Politics... 30% Non-affiliated Voters as Foundation for New Parties
The movement to form new parties is gaining momentum as the proportion of non-affiliated voters disappointed with two-party politics approaches 30%. According to a Gallup Korea survey, the proportion of non-affiliated voters ranged from 26% to 28% from the first week of January to the first week of June this year. In the National Barometer Survey (NBS), jointly conducted by Embrain Public, K-stat Research, Korea Research, and Hankook Research, the proportion of non-affiliated voters rose from 29% in the last week of January to 32% in the last week of June.
Support for the 'third zone new party' also approached half of the population. According to a survey jointly commissioned by Yonhap News and Yonhap News TV to the polling company Metrics, released on the 5th (for detailed information, see the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website), 47.7% answered 'yes' to the question, "Do you think a third zone new party is necessary for the development of Korean politics?"
Therefore, new parties are focusing on differentiating themselves from the existing two major parties. In Yang's case, Hanguk-ui Huimang aims to become the 'world's first blockchain platform party.' At the founding promoters' meeting, Yang said, "Combining the party system and corporate technology that Hanguk-ui Huimang has researched for a long time, the world's first blockchain platform party will be launched," explaining, "The four elements of a party?members, nominations, policies, and funds?will lead a completely new order and culture based on the transparency, immutability, and stability of blockchain technology."
Former lawmaker Geum criticized the two major parties and emphasized the need for a third zone. At a forum jointly hosted by the New Party Preparation Committee and the Gwangju Citizens' Assembly on the 4th, Geum said as a presenter, "The People Power Party is rotten, and the Democratic Party is incompetent," adding, "A new force is needed."
Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop is giving a greeting at the Reflection and Exploration Forum for a Different Future held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 13th of last month. (Photo by Yonhap News)
Formula for New Party Success No. 1: 'Figure'
However, experts raise 'question marks' about these new parties. Past third zone forces that caused a stir include the People's Party founded by Chung Ju-young, honorary chairman of Hyundai Group; the United Liberal Democrats led by former Prime Minister Kim Jong-pil (JP); and the People's Party founded by People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo. Although rare, there are cases of success.
Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "The number of non-affiliated voters has increased, and among those who support specific parties, a significant proportion think there are problems with the current two-party system, so the environment for new party formation has been created," adding, "Since it is still the early stage of new party formation, I think we need to wait and see a bit more." Jang Seong-chul, director of the Sympathy and Debate Policy Center, also explained, "It is still a bit early to talk about success or failure of new party formation," but added, "Looking at the polls, since the non-affiliated voters approach 30%, I think there is an opportunity."
Experts unanimously agreed that 'figure' and 'color' are the most important for new party success. Especially, a substantial figure was cited as a key condition for a new party. Director Jang emphasized, "There must be a presidential candidate-level figure with high national recognition, support, and trust as the focal point of the new party," adding, "Or the vision must be clear." Political commentator Hwang Tae-soon also said, "Looking at successful third zone cases so far, the central figure must be at the presidential candidate level," adding, "Creating a party is like making cotton candy; there must be the most important central stick for the melted sugar to stick together."
The commentator also said, "Looking at the current composition of the new parties of lawmaker Yang and former lawmaker Geum, the team color does not seem clear," adding, "In Yang's case, there are traces of efforts to focus on scientists and technologists, but it would be better if more influential and reputable figures from the science and technology community joined." He continued, "Former lawmaker Geum is also said to be building an organization, but it is difficult to know which figures are included, and someone to support them is needed."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
