Emphasizing the Need for Party Reform, Not Personnel Changes
On the Yoon Prison Visit Controversy: "No One Criticized Visits to Cho Kuk"
Recently, as calls have emerged within the People Power Party to take action against Han Gil Jeon, a former Korean history instructor, Assemblyman Jo Jeonghun of the People Power Party voiced his opposition, stating, "Now is not the time to push each other away." In particular, Assemblyman Jo emphasized regarding these demands, "The party's approval rating will not rise simply by removing one or two people."
Previously, Kim Yongtae and Kim Jaeseop, both junior lawmakers of the People Power Party, demanded that Representative Jang Donghyuk expel Jeon from the party. Assemblyman Kim Yongtae argued, "The party leadership must sever ties with extremist factions," and insisted, "It must be made clear that we cannot move forward with those who defend martial law or continue to talk about fraudulent elections." Assemblyman Kim Jaeseop also stated, "It is impossible for both the pro-impeachment faction (supporters of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment) and Jeon to coexist in the same party," and added, "Representative Jang must make a decision."
In response to these remarks, Assemblyman Jo appeared on YTN Radio's 'Kim Youngsoo's The Interview' on September 2 and said, "I understand what the two lawmakers mean by advocating for rationality and centrism," but added, "I believe we must stop the kind of politics that calls for someone to be removed or not removed." He continued, "There have been polls showing a significant increase in negative evaluations of the Lee Jaemyung administration, but our People Power Party has not been able to benefit from this so-called backlash," and pointed out, "'Should we give the People Power Party a chance?' We have not reached that point, so we need to reform the party's constitution. The important thing is not replacing people, but first correcting and improving the party's fundamental structure."
Additionally, regarding Supreme Council member Kim Minsu of the People Power Party applying to visit former President Yoon Suk-yeol, Assemblyman Jo commented, "Those who have had a long-standing relationship with him seem to be visiting out of personal concern for his health," and added, "No one criticized anyone for visiting former Minister Cho Kuk when he was in prison. I do not attach much political significance to this."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
