Joguk Innovation Party "Talent Recruitment and Impeachment Icebreaker in Full Swing... Democratic Party Must Accelerate Prosecutorial Reform Three Bills"

Formation of the Basic Committee, Appointment of Regional Chairpersons
"Busan Geumjeong Election Requires Democratic Response"

The Joguk Innovation Party has acknowledged its defeat in the October 16 by-elections and is set to strengthen its regional organizations through talent recruitment. Externally, it plans to intensify efforts to impeach the Yoon Seok-yeol administration by escalating its offensive against the ruling party.

Hwang Hyun-seon, Secretary-General of the Joguk Innovation Party, stated at a press conference at the National Assembly on the morning of the 18th, "We take the (by-election) results seriously, and many shortcomings and areas for improvement have become clear," adding, "We will immediately operate a Special Committee for Organizational Strengthening and appoint at least 150 regional committee heads by April next year."

Secretary-General Hwang said, "These regional committee heads will be the figures preparing for the next local elections," and added, "We will complete the reorganization conferences of the city and provincial parties by May next year and finalize the establishment of city and provincial parties in the four regions?Chungbuk, Jeju, Sejong, and others?where the party has yet to be founded."

The Innovation Party explained that the recent election underscored the necessity of a talent pool and an organizational system. He said, "What we felt through this election is that ultimately, people are the ones who solve problems," and added, "We will actively promote talent recruitment activities. We believe it is very important to systematically support our organization."

Regarding the by-election results, he self-assessed, "Although we did not secure winners in both Gokseong and Yeonggwang in Jeonnam, we confirmed about 30% support," and said, "This has significant implications for those who want to run for basic and metropolitan council positions in the region. It was an opportunity to assess how much success could be achieved in one-on-one contests."

He also pointed out strategic issues of the Democratic Party concerning the by-election for the Busan Geumjeong District Office. Secretary-General Hwang said, "I think this is evidence that the Democratic Party focused more on defense than offense," and added, "The Democratic Party must take responsible answers regarding this matter." He explained that considering the importance of two days before the election, he had planned joint campaigns in Busan Geumjeong with Representative Joguk and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, but these did not materialize, which he regarded as a regrettable point.

He also hinted at intentions to challenge upcoming by-elections scheduled for the first half of next year in Guro District and Asan, Chungnam. Secretary-General Hwang said, "I think it is right to field candidates once the party is prepared," and added, "Regarding election strategies, we will observe the political situation more closely and make judgments."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Plans are also underway to play a leading role as an icebreaker in the impeachment of the Yoon Seok-yeol government.

Secretary-General Hwang said, "Starting from November, Representative Joguk and I will begin 'Impeachment Cafes' where we meet voters directly, beginning on the 2nd of next month in Daegu." He also addressed recent controversies involving Mr. Myeong Tae-gyun and allegations of election interference involving First Lady Kim Geon-hee. He warned, "Even an elementary school student who has completed learning Hangul can see that the so-called 'oppa' is not a real older brother," adding, "This is accelerating the downfall of the Yoon administration. Dishonesty will only bring greater disaster."

He also urged the Democratic Party to speed up the passage of the three prosecution reform bills. Secretary-General Hwang said, "The Democratic Party has drafted the three prosecution reform bills but has not submitted them. They must act swiftly. How long will they delay?" and emphasized, "If they delay submission, our party’s alternatives can be reflected." He further argued, "As the Democratic Party claims, the impeachment of the Prosecutor General and the heads of the Central District Prosecutors’ Offices should also be pursued, but the core is the impeachment of President Yoon."