Kim Jong-in "Do not ask about Yoon Seok-yeol anymore... I will not show interest first"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in denied rumors on the 10th that he met Nam Ki-chun, a close aide of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, in Jeju Island, saying, "I don't even know that person."

When reporters asked Kim at the funeral hall of the late former Prime Minister Lee Han-dong whether he had met lawyer Nam Ki-chun in Jeju Island, Kim replied, "I don't even know that person, Han Ki-chun (misnaming Nam Ki-chun)."

Nam, who served as the chief prosecutor of the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office, is considered a close aide of former Prosecutor General Yoon, who is mentioned as a leading opposition presidential candidate. There have been rumors in political circles that Kim delivered some kind of message to Yoon through Nam during a recent trip to Jeju.

Kim said, "Don't ask me any more about that person (Yoon Seok-yeol). I'm not waiting for any results," adding, "Without any purpose, I wouldn't be the one to take an interest first." Kim had previously predicted that Yoon might make a (political) statement around mid-month.

Kim recalled that a few months ago, former Prime Minister Lee Han-dong told him during a meal, "I am quite worried about the country, so I asked you to take responsibility and work hard to restore normalcy." He added, "We served together as members of the 12th, 13th, and 14th National Assembly. We had a special relationship."

When asked about the 'Kim Jong-in role theory' emerging within the People Power Party ahead of the party convention, Kim said, "Since I quit there, it is right that I no longer comment on their affairs."