Kim Jong-in "A Newly Stirring Person Could Become President"

Former Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in raised the possibility of a new presidential candidate emerging in the next presidential election.

On the 6th, Kim appeared on SBS's 'Jooyoungjin's News Briefing' and said, "If a person who is newly stirring properly presents their vision and the public sentiment aligns with it, that person could become the (president)."

He cited the 2002 presidential election where the late former President Roh Moo-hyun won despite candidates Lee In-je and Lee Hoi-chang leading in opinion polls, saying, "You can't say that the person leading in opinion polls will definitely become president."

Regarding the host's comment, "There haven't been many presidents with an economic expert background," he replied, "A president does not necessarily need to be an expert in a specific field," adding, "As long as they have common sense knowledge about national management and utilize good aides, they can perform the presidential duties."

When asked if this meant former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl also had a chance, he said, "I cannot say there is absolutely no chance."

However, he emphasized, "If someone wants to become president, they must recognize the country's reality for a long time, realize the country's changes, and prepare extensively by understanding how public sentiment changes. Even with thorough preparation, being president is difficult, so if someone becomes president based on momentary public opinion without such preparation, there is no chance of success."

Kim drew a line by saying, "Many political commentators or reporters express as if I am waiting for former Prosecutor General Yoon, but I have never waited for anyone until now."

When asked, "If former Prosecutor General Yoon firmly decides to run for president and asks for help, what would you do?" he avoided answering, saying, "It's a matter of the future, so there is no need to respond."