"On the First Anniversary of Martial Law, a Clear Apology Was Needed...
A Decisive Response to Accusations of Rebellion Is Essential"
Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, delivered an unusually strong criticism toward the People Power Party on December 30.
He pointed out the political failure to regain public trust, stating that, on the first anniversary of the martial law, "there was no apology, no accountability, and no resolution" in the party's response.
During a year-end press conference held in the provincial government’s main conference room that day, Governor Kim said, "On the first anniversary of the martial law, the party should have clearly apologized for its mistakes and brought political closure."
He further criticized the party's inconsistent messaging, saying, "There should have been a clear direction to actively respond to the accusations of rebellion."
Regarding the ongoing confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties, Governor Kim described it as a 'disappearance of politics.' He acknowledged the clear limitations of having to fight as a minority party under the Democratic Party's unchecked power and de facto one-party rule, but also criticized, "Pushing forward without consultation or consensus is not politics."
He then questioned, "Even in times of war, shouldn't we be thinking about the future together?"
In particular, he emphasized, "We must face up to the responsibility for ceding power after the martial law and disappointing the public," adding, "To recover, we must not avoid the difficult task of reforming the party’s structure and renewing its internal culture."
He expressed his regret, saying, "What is most disappointing is that it is hard to see what kind of reflection or willingness to change the People Power Party is showing to regain the public's trust," and added, "Politics is judged not by justification, but by trust."
Governor Kim's remarks are seen as more than mere internal criticism; they are interpreted as a warning to the entire conservative political sphere.
He argued that unless politics that apologizes when necessary and takes responsibility when required is restored, public trust will not return.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
