People Power Party's Next Leadership Candidates Begin 'Warming Up'

Indicating a Challenge for Party Leadership with Different Strategies

Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, is talking with Ahn Cheol-soo./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] As the People Power Party shifts to an emergency response committee system, potential next party leadership candidates are also showing signs of movement.

In the case of Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo, he emphasized his 'role.' After the 'Pension Reform Directions for the Youth Generation' forum held at the National Assembly on the 9th, Ahn told reporters, "If there is a role for me, I will not refuse that role." This hinted at his intention to challenge for the next party leadership.

On the 13th, during an appearance on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' when the host asked, "It seems like an official declaration of candidacy for the party convention," Ahn explained, "In fact, I have long believed that reforming the ruling party to prioritize solving people's livelihood issues is essential. To do that, I will do everything I can." When the host said, "So you mean you will run for party leader whenever the time comes," Ahn did not deny it.

Assemblyman Kim Ki-hyun has been raising his political profile recently by targeting former President Moon Jae-in and Assemblyman Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea. On the 10th, Kim posted on his Facebook, "Lee Jae-myung revealed his true colors in response to the 'Gaeddal' petition to amend the current Democratic Party constitution, which suspends party duties when a party official is indicted on corruption charges," adding, "The excuse that it could be used for opposition suppression is just a pretext to prevent suspension of duties upon indictment. Anyone can see this is a 'cunning constitutional amendment by and for Lee Jae-myung.'"

On the same day, Kim criticized former President Moon for posting photos of himself enjoying water play during his vacation, saying, "Did he really have to post such photos at this time?" and "While the people are suffering from floods, instead of offering comfort, posting water play photos is just rubbing salt in the wound. The ways to annoy the public are truly diverse."

Kim also held a screening event of 'Hansan: Rising Dragon,' which depicts Admiral Yi Sun-sin, on the 11th to expand his influence. The theme of the screening was 'Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Leadership in Overcoming Crisis.'

Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won is speaking in front of a building in Sadang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, which suffered significant damage due to heavy rain on the 11th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Former Assemblywoman Na Kyung-won has also started 'warming up.' On the 10th, she appeared on YTN Radio's 'News King Park Ji-hoon' and when asked about running for party leadership, she said, "Honestly, I haven't actively considered it until now. But from now on, I plan to consider it." This effectively showed her intention to run for party leadership.

Furthermore, when told that Assemblymen Kim Ki-hyun and Ahn Cheol-soo have already started warming up, Na responded, "Am I not also a veteran politician? Then I think the public knows better about their political history and career," adding, "Aren't politicians always warming up?"