[Parliamentary Audit Hot Figure] "Is This Just Life?"... The Lament of Veteran Lawmaker Park Ji-won, the Oldest Member

Defending on the Front Lines Against People Power Party's Attacks on Kim Hyunji
Sharp Criticism for Jang Donghyuk's Visit to Yoon Suk-yeol
"A Hectic Schedule... Fulfilling a Politician's Duty"

Park Ji-won, an 83-year-old five-term lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, is the oldest member of the 22nd National Assembly.

Park Ji-won, member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Park's social media.

As a member of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, he is skillfully delving into key issues during this year's parliamentary audit, drawing on his extensive political experience.

Regarding the controversy over Kim Hyunji, the First Secretary to the President, which the People Power Party has targeted as a major point of attack, Assemblyman Park has taken the lead in defending the administration. On October 16, he appeared on a radio program and shared details of a phone call with Secretary Kim: "I called and said, 'You're smart, so just attend the audit,' to which she replied, 'I never said I wouldn't attend.'" Through this, he indirectly pointed out that the People Power Party's actions amount to political maneuvering.

Commenting on People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk's visit to former President Yoon Suk-yeol, Park stated, "He kept his promise to visit, so Jeon Hangil will get the nomination in the next election and Han Donghoon is finished. Let's see if he keeps his promises." After engaging in a so-called "informal speech dispute" with People Power Party lawmaker Shin Dongwook, Park later appeared with Shin on a radio broadcast, announced their reconciliation, and bowed his head, once again demonstrating his seasoned political skills.

Assemblyman Park is renowned for his attentive management of his constituency. Even amid the busy parliamentary audit schedule, he consistently shows interest in local issues. Last weekend, he personally attended the final round of the BMW Ladies Championship 2025 held at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, where he encouraged golfer Kim Seyoung and spent time communicating with local residents.

On October 18, he wrote on his blog, "Arrived in Haenam at 1 a.m. on Saturday, arrived in Seoul at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. Then, at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, I attended a one-hour greeting at the Seoul regional association. At 11 a.m., I took the SRT via Gwangju, heading back to Haenam," highlighting his hectic schedule traveling across the country. In the same post, he wrote, "Is this politics or is this just life? I want to rest and have fun too. But doing my best is the duty of a politician," expressing the inner struggles he faces as a public servant.