Kim Jongmin: "The Essence of Democracy Is Dialogue... But the People Power Party Must Draw a Line Against Insurrection" [Book-Reading Lawmaker]

To Avoid Obstructionist Politics, We Must Engage in Dialogue
'Insurrection Is Violence'... The People Power Party Must Draw a Clear Line to Restore Politics

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"After 20 years in politics, my belief that disagreements can be narrowed through dialogue has gradually diminished. Originally, politics began with the conviction that differences and conflicts could be adjusted and overcome through conversation. But without this belief, the only solution left is to impose one's will by force."

On August 21 at the National Assembly, Kim Jongmin, an independent lawmaker, introduced the meaning of Ewha Womans University Distinguished Professor Choi Jaecheon’s book "Sukron" and analyzed why democracy in our society has become a trigger for conflict rather than a means of problem-solving. Assemblyman Kim explained, "Democracy may appear to amplify conflict, but it is actually a technique for skillfully resolving and overcoming it. The reason conflicts are not easily resolved is that we are not accustomed to the training, culture, or methods of dialogue and debate." He diagnosed that the problem with how democracy functions lies not in democracy itself, but in our approach to discussion and conversation.

The term "Sukron," as advocated by Professor Choi in his book, is a neologism that uses the character "Suk (熟)," meaning "to master through deep thought and deliberation with others," rather than "To (討)," which means "to defeat or refute an opponent" in debate.

Kim Jongmin, an independent member of the National Assembly, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. 2025.8.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Interpreting "Sukron" as ultimately synonymous with "dialogue," Assemblyman Kim extolled the virtues of conversation, saying, "If our society could engage in effective dialogue, it would circulate like blood and become healed." He argued that dialogue possesses both the "power of connection" and the "power of empathy." Regarding the power of connection, Kim emphasized, "Through conversation, various forms of wisdom can be linked. When ideas connect, new thoughts emerge, and this can drive people to progress." On the power of empathy, he said, "People do not live by information or reason alone. If the heart does not empathize, even rational agreement will not lead to true acceptance. Beyond information, when emotions connect and empathy is achieved, it becomes a vital energy in human relationships and society."

To Avoid Obstructionist Politics, We Must Engage in Dialogue

He also argued that the quality of democracy can vary depending on the level of dialogue. While democracy is commonly said to be realized through majority rule, Assemblyman Kim stressed that dialogue must come before majority decisions. He said, "Even when citizens in the Colosseum (where Roman gladiators fought) made decisions by majority vote, it was still a form of democratic decision-making, but it was Colosseum-style politics. Through dialogue, wisdom accumulates, collective intelligence is formed, and empathy is achieved, leading to better decisions." He added, "When making decisions by majority rule, it is important that everyone can accept the outcome in their hearts. To prevent obstructionist politics, we must engage in dialogue."

He particularly emphasized, "Members of the National Assembly and politicians are a group of experts created by the people to engage in dialogue. Lawmakers must be more faithful to the principles of dialogue-based democracy." He added, "To ensure that the voices of the people are reflected, politicians as dialogue experts should restore the dialogue track in the Assembly and reactivate the track of participatory democracy for the public."

Kim Jongmin, an independent member of the National Assembly, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. 2025.8.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In this context, he is preparing a bill to establish a "Public Deliberation Committee" in the National Assembly. Assemblyman Kim explained, "For contentious issues that result in a close split, such as 51 to 49, we are considering a procedure to refer them for public deliberation. Similar to a jury in a citizen participation trial, about 20 ordinary citizens would be gathered to observe debates between ruling and opposition parties, then deliberate thoroughly and vote." While this committee would not have the authority to directly influence parliamentary decisions, the law would specify that its results should be respected. Kim introduced, "The structure of the National Assembly makes it difficult to change positions based on party lines, but if we create such a deliberative structure, it becomes easier for minorities to accept outcomes, and the majority gains justification to change their stance based on public deliberation."

'Insurrection Is Violence'... The People Power Party Must Draw a Clear Line to Restore Politics

Assemblyman Kim also shared an interesting evaluation of Democratic Party leader Jung Chungrae's statement that "a handshake is done with a person," expressing his refusal to engage in dialogue with the People Power Party. Kim remarked, "Though the expression may be a bit harsh, it is meaningful in that 'if one does not reflect on insurrection, they are not a suitable dialogue partner.'" He emphasized, "Of course, we must talk and do politics, but those who have committed violence inevitably become the object of struggle. If the People Power Party wants to engage in politics and restore it, they must clearly draw a line between themselves and insurrection."