"Who among Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim Dong-yeon, and Hong Jung-wook?" Kim Jong-in says, "Some have desires"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, is delivering opening remarks at the Kwanhun Club invitation debate held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 14th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, commented on opposition presidential candidates frequently mentioned in political circles, including Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon, and former lawmaker Hong Jung-wook, saying, "Some of them probably have presidential ambitions."

On the 14th, at the KOREA PRESS CENTER during the Kwanhoon Debate, Chairman Kim responded to a question from Heo Min, a reporter from Munhwa Ilbo, stating, "It is difficult to specify anyone in particular," and made the above remark.

He said, "There are people both inside and outside the party who are moving with the intention of becoming president," adding, "However, no one has officially declared their candidacy yet, and since we assume that will happen in the future, naturally, they will run as presidential candidates through fair competition."

When asked to specifically name among Ahn, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim, former lawmaker Hong, and former lawmaker Jang Sung-min, he said, "I am not exactly sure whether those mentioned are seriously considering becoming presidential candidates," but added, "However, I imagine that some of them have such ambitions."

Chairman Kim said, "Looking at the current situation unfolding in our country, the public holds a consensus on who should become president," and "A suitable person will emerge as a presidential candidate."

He emphasized that a figure capable of resolving polarization could become the presidential candidate. He said, "As we go through the COVID-19 crisis, society is becoming more difficult, and polarization is intensifying," adding, "Who can solve these problems will be crucial in the next presidential election."

Regarding whether there is an intention to recruit Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl as a presidential candidate, he said, "I have not been able to accurately judge whether he actually has any presidential ambitions," adding, "Some people say that since Yoon’s approval ratings are quite high in some polls, he could be part of the presidential candidate pool, but that is unknown until Yoon steps down and makes an official statement."

On the United Future Party’s chances of victory, he said, "There is 1 year and 10 months left until the presidential election," and added, "I cannot disclose the party’s current support percentage, but what I can say is that we will exert our maximum capability to win the next administration."