“Old Progressive Parties Failed to Improve Livelihood of People”

United New Democratic Party leader Sohn Hak-kyu said Saturday, “The new progressives, the one that our society needs, stands face to face with not only the conservatives but also with the old progressives.” He also emphasized that the progressive camp must continue to reform itself.

Sohn said in his first interview with The Dong-A Ilbo since he took office, “Koreans turned their back on the old progressive power because of their empty slogan for equality, distribution and peace.”

He added, “They failed to improve the livelihood of people. A true progressive party of this century should be the one that could offer real benefit and help to the people in close proximity.”

Regarding the latest brawl within the party over its political identity as well as a series of resignation by some pro-President Roh Moo-hyun representatives, Sohn said, “The United New Democratic Party is more than just a political party. It is the successor to democratic reform powers of the past. With the new leadership after the defeat in the presidential election, the party is about to step on an uncharted path.”

Regarding how the current ruling party will become the opposition party after President-elect Lee Myung-bak takes office, Sohn said, “We will place national interests and the happiness of the people before everything else, regardless of our position as the opposition party. We will become the most cooperative and determined party in Korea’s political history.”

sys1201@donga.com