[Editorial] GNP Compete with “Progressive Vision”

A “Letter to the Nation” produced by Grand National Party (GNP) is full of fresh new wills. Here, the path for the party to head towards is comprehensively stated as including no competition, a warm North Korea policy, and enlivening economies. These wills should be transformed into action for the party to completely drop its “conservative stubbornness” image.

GNP, who argued that it was a conservative party, did not live up to its expectations. Not reading the period’s flow, it only rested on a cold war policy and regionalism tactics. To the pro-government party, it did not provide criticism or restriction, but was rather busy holding its ankle. It is hard to deny that these factors were the fundamental reasons for the GNP losing twice in the presidential elections and surrendered its majority party position in the Assembly on April 15.

It is very wise for it to set its road as a “logical and reformative progressive way.” Keeping “keepables” and reforming “reformables” as stated in its statement is the true way for “21st century new conservatives.” Especially, its lenient policy towards North Korea is expected to change the conservative image of GNP.

On top of everything, for the country and politics’ progression, it should make and practice policies which will carry the nation’s hope. These policies should be pragmatic with the background of state and public interest. It is time for GNP to compete with the pro-government party and for for-citizen policies and “progressive vision,” rather than fighting over ideologies.

What is worrisome is that there are still lawmakers who reject reformation. Therefore, there is a need for up-to-date people who should be positioned in the main posts of the party and the Assembly, and thus the roughness of the old politics should be removed. As Park Gyen-hae, the leader of GNP, said, it is the end if it does not change.