Kim Gi-hyeon Declares Candidacy as "Ideal Candidate for Landslide Victory in General Election"... Ruling Party's 'Party Leadership Race' Begins

Rep. Kim Ki-hyun Appeals to 'Yunshim (Yoon's Heart)'... 'Kimjang Alliance' Becomes a Foregone Conclusion
Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo and Rep. Kwon Seong-dong Plan to Announce Candidacy in January

[Asia Economy Reporters Bomryeong Geum and Youngwon Kim] The People Power Party's race for party leadership has officially begun. With the Emergency Response Committee deciding to hold the party convention on March 8 next year, Representative Kim Gi-hyeon was the first in the parliamentary floor to throw his hat into the ring. Additionally, Na Kyung-won, Vice Chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, hinted at running for party leadership, and with more than ten candidates expected to compete, a cut-off (preliminary primary) is anticipated.

On the 27th, Representative Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office and officially declared his candidacy for party leader, stating, "The right person to lead the 2024 general election to a landslide victory is none other than Kim Gi-hyeon." During the last presidential election period, Representative Kim served as floor leader and was a key figure in the so-called 'Ulsan meeting,' which reconciled conflicts between then-presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol and party leader Lee Jun-seok.

Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party (left), and Jang Je-won attended the study group "National Sympathy" held at the National Assembly on the 7th, exchanging greetings. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Kim's early declaration in the parliamentary floor is interpreted as an attempt to 'secure Yoon's support' first. Since Yoon's clear backing has not yet been determined, Kim chose to come forward as the 'first runner' to imprint himself on party members. In his declaration, Kim emphasized, "I, Kim Gi-hyeon, am the most suitable person to lead the party into a mode of unity by creating a consensus through candid communication with President Yoon Seok-yeol." At the launch ceremony of the second term of the Busan Innovation Forum the day before, he made the 'Kim-Jang alliance' with Representative Jang Je-won, an original 'Yoon core insider' (key figure close to President Yoon), effectively confirming this alliance.

Other party leadership candidates are also expected to rush their declarations. Representative Ahn Cheol-soo, who has already announced his intention to run several times, plans to officially declare his candidacy around early to mid-next month. A source from Ahn's side said, "We are watching the timing, but the declaration will definitely be made before the Lunar New Year holiday." Representative Kwon Seong-dong, also known as an original Yoon core insider along with Representative Jang, is likely to declare his candidacy in early January. Kwon is traveling nationwide to engage with party members, gathering those who worked with him in the presidential campaign, and meeting key figures as part of behind-the-scenes preparations.

Na Kyung-won, Vice Chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, also posted on Facebook that day, "For the Yoon administration, urgently restoring the weakened national defense and vigilance against North Korea since the Moon Jae-in administration is an existential task," adding, "To achieve this task, a strong and solid ruling party is naturally necessary. That is why next year's party convention is important." She included hashtags '#SenseOfMission' '#NaKyungwon' '#PartyConvention'.

Ahn Cheol-soo to officially declare candidacy in January... Na Kyung-won hints at running, saying 'Strong and solid ruling party needed'

Ahn Cheol-soo, member of the People Power Party (Photo by Yonhap News)

Former Representative Yoo Seung-min, a prominent 'non-Yoon' figure, is reluctant to confirm his candidacy for the party convention but is considered a strong contender as he leads in national opinion polls. Additionally, Representatives Yoon Sang-hyun, Cho Kyung-tae, and former party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn have hinted at running for party leader. Lawyer Kang Shin-up, former president of the Kim Geon-hee fan club 'Geonhee Sarang,' has also thrown his hat into the ring.

With nearly ten candidates currently mentioned, the possibility of a cut-off is high. Whether a cut-off will be conducted depends on the number of candidates registering starting in early February. Yoo Heung-soo, senior advisor of the People Power Party and appointed chairman of the party convention election commission, appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs' and said, "If the number of candidates running for party leader is too many, say more than 4-5 and up to 7-8, then according to precedent, a cut-off must be conducted." The method is likely to be 100% party member voting. Yoo explained, "Since the method of electing the party leader itself is '100% party member voting,' if a cut-off is conducted, it is logical to do it the same way."

Even if a runoff vote is held, the People Power Party plans to finalize the results before the current Emergency Response Committee's term expires on March 12. A party official said, "If a candidate receives more than half the votes on the day of the party convention, they will be elected; if not, voting will continue during the remaining period and the result will be announced on the 12th." The runoff vote will be conducted via mobile, and if a response is not received, opinions will be collected through an automatic response system (ARS).