"Continuing to Reflect on Good Politics as a Citizen"
"I wanted to break the stereotype of being a clueless lawmaker who doesn’t know hardship."
Former Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Hojung revealed the reason why she works as a carpenter. In an interview with Hankook Ilbo on the 16th, Ryu shared her current status working at a custom furniture manufacturing and interior design company in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.
Ryu entered the National Assembly in 2020 as the number one proportional representative of the Justice Party, earning the title of the ‘youngest lawmaker.’ She resigned from the Justice Party in January 2024 and gave up her seat. She then moved to the Reform New Party and received the nomination for Seongnam Gap, but just before the general election, she withdrew her candidacy, saying, “Third zone politics have failed.”
In the interview with Hankook Ilbo, Ryu explained how she became a carpenter. She said, "When I met the company CEO and said I wanted to get a job, he asked me three times, ‘Are you serious about becoming a carpenter?’ He was skeptical because a former lawmaker said she wanted to do manual labor. (Now) I get along well with my colleagues without any barriers."
She continued, "These days, among the younger generation, the prejudice of prioritizing office jobs seems to be decreasing. However, even in technical jobs, there are work stresses and difficulties in social life," adding, "In any profession, the task of endlessly exploring oneself and self-development is unavoidable."
She explained, “These days, among the younger generation, the prejudice of prioritizing office jobs seems to be decreasing. However, even in technical jobs, there are work stresses and difficulties in social life,” and “In any profession, the task of endlessly exploring oneself and self-development is unavoidable.”
When asked if she thought the political force of the third zone had failed, she replied, “Our country has never had a proper third zone force. Even now, the public is not in a position to consider the third zone,” adding, “Supporters of the People Power Party and the Democratic Party are united by the single-minded determination to ‘save the country by blocking the other party’s rule.’ Nevertheless, a third zone force is necessary.”
Regarding whether she would no longer engage in feminist activism, Ryu said, "I haven’t had time to think about anything else because I’m adapting to my new job," but added, "However, I believe feminism should not remain stuck in certain stereotypes but should secure diversity. Embracing people with different opinions is necessary to move toward a greater place. As a feminist, I also try to live that way."
On questions about her political path, she drew a clear line, saying, “At present, I have no intention of returning to politics.” However, she added, “Politics is not only done through party positions or public office. As a citizen, I plan to continue thinking about good politics. I will keep communicating steadily with supporters through SNS.”
Earlier, Ryu had caused a stir by posting on her Facebook last month, sharing her recent status around the Lunar New Year, saying, “After attending a woodworking academy, I got a job as a carpenter and am working at a company specializing in interior construction and high-end solid wood furniture production.”
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