[Hot Interview] Yeo Jo Ji-yeon of the Ruling Party: "We Must Address Livelihood Issues That Truly Affect People's Skin"

Rising 30s Star from Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk Who Defeated 4-Term Choi Kyung-hwan
"Cutting Lawmaker Salaries Must Be Implemented"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jo Ji-yeon, the elected member of the People Power Party, will enter the National Assembly for the first time after defeating Choi Kyung-hwan, an independent candidate who had served four terms in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk. A former presidential office administrator, he is a young politician aged 37 (born in 1987). Jo emphasized that the ruling party must fulfill its promise to the people by giving up the privileges of lawmakers and focus on improving the lives of the citizens.

What are your thoughts on being elected?

It was a difficult election, but I will serve the citizens of Gyeongsan with more humility and a low profile. Having confirmed the earnest desire of the citizens who want a new Gyeongsan and new politics, I am working even harder.

What kind of activities do you want to pursue in the 22nd National Assembly?

My first pledge is to give up the privilege of immunity from arrest and to cut lawmakers' salaries to the median income level. To implement these, I want to engage in activities such as the Special Committee on Political Reform. Also, the three major agendas of labor, education, and pension reform are closely related to our generation. I don’t know how much cooperation the opposition will provide, but I want to take a leading role in bringing together young elected officials to generate public discourse and convey it to the government.

Giving up immunity from arrest and cutting salaries will require opposition cooperation, right?

I am already worried about that. In a situation where the ruling party is in the minority, if cooperation is not possible, at least our party should practice it. Didn’t we promise this when we were nominated by the people? Cutting lawmakers’ salaries to the median income level must be implemented by any means, including donations within the legal limits. We need to show that the ruling party is different from the opposition.

What is your view on the People Power Party’s defeat in the general election?

Putting aside the victory in Gyeongsan, I feel very heavy-hearted because of the situation of the People Power Party. I think we need to pay more attention to the livelihoods that directly affect the people. In Gyeongsan, the market is so empty that it is hard for citizens to open their wallets. Political debates are important, but the economy for ordinary people is very bad. Considering these factors, we must thoroughly take care of the people’s livelihoods.