[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, dismissed the notion of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol being the opposition's next presidential candidate, saying, "What kind of presidential candidate is a Prosecutor General?"
In an interview with Yonhap News on the first day of his one-month anniversary in office on the 1st, Chairman Kim stated, "It doesn't mean much right now who is leading in the polls." According to Realmeter on the 30th of last month, in a preference survey for the next presidential candidate conducted from June 22 to 26, Prosecutor General Yoon received 10.1%, trailing behind Democratic Party member Lee Nak-yeon (30.8%) and Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung (15.6%).
The Realmeter survey was conducted on behalf of OhmyNews with a sample of 2,537 adult men and women nationwide. The margin of error is ±1.9 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, refer to the Realmeter or the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission websites.
Regarding the opposition's next presidential candidate, he said, "I know there are people stirring even outside the party," adding, "Before coming to the party, I was attentively observing who might be the next presidential candidate and even gave advice to those with such potential."
On the qualifications of the next president, he explained, "Preferences for the next presidential candidate will emerge depending on how the COVID-19 crisis is handled in the second half of this year and early next year," adding, "We have no choice but to find someone who can alleviate the public's concerns about the future."
He emphasized, "If you want to run for president, come out quickly. You have to come out and show your line," and "If you have ambitions for the presidency, you must come out bravely with a clear vision."
Regarding candidates within the party, he said, "Won Hee-ryong has spoken about it, and I understand Yoo Seung-min has also expressed such intentions," adding, "We need to see how these will materialize." About Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People's Party, he was reserved, saying, "Depending on the situation, if he wants to come, he might join at some point."
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