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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Kim Joon-hyung Elected Floor Leader of Progressive Party, Rejects 'Political Struggle' Mergers

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Kim Joon-hyung has been elected as the new floor leader of the Progressive Party (also known as the Innovation Party).
  • Kim emphasized the need for solidarity and cooperation among progressive and reformist forces to achieve prosecutorial reform and historical reckoning.
  • He stated that while he would support the Lee Jae-myung administration for reform, he would reject any merger or alliance driven purely by political struggle.

Kim Joon-hyung has been elected as the new floor leader of the Progressive Party (also known as the Innovation Party). The election took place during the party's general meeting at the National Assembly on June 16th, where Kim ran unopposed and secured a unanimous decision from the 12 attending lawmakers.

Can we confidently say that prosecutorial reform and the reckoning of past injustices are being achieved to the extent of our efforts? These goals are impossible without solidarity and cooperation.

— Kim Joon-hyungKim Joon-hyung emphasized the necessity of unity for achieving key political reforms.

In his acceptance speech, Kim stressed the importance of unity within the progressive and reformist camp. "Can we confidently say that prosecutorial reform and the reckoning of past injustices are being achieved to the extent of our efforts?" he asked, asserting that these goals are impossible without solidarity and cooperation. He pledged his support for the "Lee Jae-myung administration" if it advances reformist agendas, stating, "We will gladly help if it is for reform and progress."

However, Kim drew a firm line regarding political alliances. "I reject any merger or alliance that is part of a political struggle. I refuse to be treated carelessly," he declared, signaling a cautious approach to potential collaborations. This stance suggests a desire to maintain the party's distinct identity while seeking strategic partnerships for specific reform goals.

We will gladly help if it is for reform and progress.

— Kim Joon-hyungKim Joon-hyung pledged support for the administration's reform initiatives.

Kim Joon-hyung, an international political scientist by training, previously served as the president of the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security during the Moon Jae-in administration. He entered the National Assembly as a proportional representative for the Progressive Party in the 22nd general election and held the position of policy committee chair in the previous floor leadership. His election marks a new chapter for the party as it navigates the political landscape.

I reject any merger or alliance that is part of a political struggle. I refuse to be treated carelessly.

— Kim Joon-hyungKim Joon-hyung set conditions for political alliances, prioritizing party integrity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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