LKP leader proposes one-on-one meeting with President Moon

By Jung Da-min

Liberty Korea Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn delivers a speech during his New Year's press conference at the party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn has proposed a one-on-one meeting with President Moon Jae-in to discuss major political and social issues.

“To unify public opinion, I propose a one-on-one inter-party summit with the President,” Hwang said during his New Year's press conference at the party's headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Wednesday. “I have proposed such a meeting many times but there has been no response. I strongly urge the President to drop his attitude of avoiding communication with the opposition leader, an attitude which causes him to be criticized for ignoring other people.”

Hwang strongly criticized Moon's message during the President's New Year's conference for lacking understanding of people's economic difficulties as well as people's concerns regarding the North Korean nuclear issue and the possible rift in the South Korea-U.S. alliance. The opposition leader especially pointed out the issue of housing prices that have been on a “sharp” rise in recent years.

Hwang also vowed “all-out” efforts for an “overwhelming victory” in the April 15 general election.

“Based on a victory, we'll pursue constitutional revision to prevent an imperial presidential system,” Hwang said. “Moon should not damage the constitutional order anymore and split the nation. He should break away from a specific bloc.”

The LKP chief pledged to carry out innovative nominations to win the election, so 50 percent of its current lawmakers will be replaced. “We will make the party young by nominating 20- to 40-something politicians so that they account for 30 percent of the candidates.”

Hwang also called on long-term lawmakers to run for heavily competitive constituencies. He said those in the leading positions including himself should “make a sacrifice” to complete the innovative nomination and he would take any needed role to achieve that goal.

Hwang reaffirmed the party's commitment in the ongoing move among conservative parties to form a “big tent” to win the general election. The LKP, the minor New Conservative Party and several independent lawmakers are participating in the move.

“We will achieve a grand unification of all of those who oppose the Moon government,” Hwang said. “Winning the general election would be the grand conversion of security, economy and politics. We will normalize the country through a grand conversion of the overall political situation.”

Hwang said the party will nullify the recently passed electoral and judiciary reform bills that were fast-tracked by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and four other minor parties. The electoral reform brought a new system to be applied from the upcoming general election, which seeks an expansion of proportional representation to make the National Assembly more reflective of minor parties. Under the judiciary reform, a special investigative body will be established to look into corruption by high-ranking officials and their family members.