New party in the making

By Kim Hyo-jin

The “Union of the People,” a group of civic group leaders and noted scholars, held a preparatory committee meeting Thursday to agree plans for the launch of a new political party later this year.

The group held a press conference at the committee’s office in Yongsan, Thursday, to outline the purpose of the new party and its ideals.

“The committee will make efforts to set up a new progressive party that can bring change in the opposition camp, and pursue a transfer of power in the next presidential election,” said spokesman Yang Ki-hwan.

The prospective new party has drawn media attention since last year, and could lead to a significant split within the liberal camp.

Former presidential candidate Chung Dong-young left the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) to join the Union of the People earlier this month. Rep. Chun Jung-bae of the NPAD is also mulling over making the same move.

The Union of the People also unveiled its 20 committee members, Thursday. Prof. Son Ho-chul of Sogang University was selected as the chief of the committee. The co-chairmen are Prof. Kim Se-kyun of Seoul National University, former president of Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Lee Su-ho, and artist Shin Hak-chul.

“Korean politics seems like politics for politicians, not for the people,” co-chairman Shin said, adding that the committee will strive to build a party that works for people with a fresh perspective.

The Union of the People is now seeking to field candidates for the April by-elections.

Committee chairman Son said, “We have yet to discuss it, but considering it is an important opportunity for the new party to take off, we will measure its possibility.”