"'Spouse Forum' Is Not Operated with Candidates' Wives in Mind"
Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate (left), and Kim Geon-hee [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Im Taehee, former Blue House Chief Secretary and newly appointed General Headquarters Director of the People Power Party's election campaign committee, stated on the 6th regarding the public appearance of Yoon Seok-yeol presidential candidate's wife Kim Geon-hee, "Rather than taking a front-line role in politics, I am hearing that she will probably focus on supporting the candidate behind the curtain, and it seems that will be the case."
Im appeared on CBS Radio's 'One Match' that night and said, "Since I just joined the campaign headquarters, I do not know the details exactly," but made the remarks.
Regarding the speculation that Kim will appear through the 'Spouse Forum,' he said, "It is not operated with the candidate's spouse in mind. The 'Spouse Forum' existed before. It has been mistakenly reported as if it was created for the candidate's spouse activities."
About his role as General Headquarters Director, he said, "Each headquarters will carry out independent roles under their responsibility, but inevitably there will be a need for coordination. I will play a role in setting priorities, pacing, and order."
When asked about concerns that unclear role adjustments between Kim Jong-in, General Election Committee Chairman, and Kim Byung-joon, Standing Election Committee Chairman, might cause conflicts, he drew a line by saying, "(Because) the goal of regime change is the same, conflicts can be resolved through mutual communication and coordination."
Im viewed the cause of conflict between Kim and Yoon before Kim joined the campaign as a difference in communication styles. He said, "The two have very different ways of speaking. I have seen Kim explain the atmosphere in a completely opposite way several times. If I act as an interpreter to facilitate communication, I think there will be no problem."
Regarding Kim's acceptance of the general director position after much consideration, he said, "Kim was constantly worried about the candidate. He has a strong sense of responsibility. If a system is in place where he can fulfill his responsibilities, I thought he would join anytime. Ultimately, since the goal is the same, I think he made the decision."
Meanwhile, after the launch ceremony of the Central Election Committee held at KSPO Dome in Songpa-gu, Seoul, Yoon told reporters about the timing of Kim's public activities, "I will ask my wife when I get home today."
Kim is the CEO of the exhibition planning company Kobana Contents and has experience planning major cultural and artistic exhibitions in Korea. Although a month has passed since Yoon was elected, Kim has yet to engage in official activities.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
