Why Are the Top-Ranked Candidates in Approval Ratings Continuing to Delay Their Campaign Announcements?

Na Kyung-won and Yoo Seung-min, Polls Show Party and Public Support Leading
Delaying Candidacy Declaration Sparks Speculation of Withdrawal

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min and Na Kyung-won, vice-chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, who are leading both public and party opinion polls as the next ruling party leader candidates, are in a 'long deliberation' over their candidacies.

Although discussions on the party convention schedule have begun, they have yet to make a decision. Former lawmaker Yoo’s chances of winning have diminished after the primary rules changed to 100% party member voting, while Vice-Chair Na appears to be concerned about the whereabouts of 'Yunshim (윤심, President Yoon’s influence)'.

On the 3rd, Vice-Chair Na appeared on KBS's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs' and said, "I am considering various things," adding, "I still have some concerns about the role I am assigned and how to coordinate it."

Former lawmaker Yoo, who appeared on YTN's 'Park Ji-hoon News King' on the 2nd, also said about running for the party convention, "I am really thinking a lot. My biggest concern is whether it really makes sense for me to challenge for the People Power Party leadership at this point."

Both Vice-Chair Na and former lawmaker Yoo are leading figures in the next party leader opinion polls.

Vice-Chair Na topped the poll conducted by SBS through Next Research from December 30 to 31 last year, surveying 1,005 men and women nationwide aged 18 and over, with a 30.8% support rate among People Power Party supporters. Former lawmaker Yoo ranked first with 24.8% in a poll regardless of support base. For detailed information, refer to the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission.

There are only about 60 days left until the party convention (March 8). The People Power Party Central Election Commission will begin full discussions on the convention schedule from the 3rd. Other party leadership candidates have already confirmed their candidacies and are touring party districts to win 'party sentiment.' Why have these leading figures in various opinion polls not yet decided whether to run?

Yoo Seung-min: 'Rather a Bigger Picture for the Presidency'

In Yoo’s case, the main reason is that the People Power Party changed the primary rules to '100% voting by registered party members,' making it unlikely for him to advance to the runoff. While he ranks first in polls that do not discriminate by support base, once the voting is limited to supporters, he falls behind Vice-Chair Na, Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo, Assemblyman Kim Ki-hyun, and Floor Leader Joo Ho-young.

Assemblyman Ha Tae-kyung of the People Power Party said on KBS1's 'Joo Jin-woo Live' the day before, "Winning is difficult even with the previous 70% party sentiment and 30% public sentiment system, but now that it is 100% party sentiment, it is even harder," adding, "He may not even make it into the top two for the runoff. Recent conservative support polls show he doesn't even make the top two."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, Yoo’s political stature is heavyweight enough to consider a presidential candidacy, so merely participating is not meaningful. It could be the 'worst move' causing political damage. Assemblyman Ha also questioned, "His stature is not one that would find mere participation in the party convention meaningful, right?"

Na Kyung-won: 'Where is Yunshim?'

Vice-Chair Na has a higher chance of advancing to the runoff thanks to the changed primary rules. However, running would require her to relinquish important responsibilities entrusted by President Yoon, making it a difficult choice.

Assemblyman Kim Ki-hyun, who is also competing for party leadership, said on YTN's 'News King Park Ji-hoon' on the 3rd, "I will take responsible roles on very important national tasks," adding, "I wonder if it is right to quit after only a month or two in such roles," putting pressure on her.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although she claims to be 'pro-Yoon,' there are ongoing rumors that the real intentions of the Yongsan Presidential Office lie 'elsewhere.' Seemingly aware of this, she said, "It is right to respect Yunshim, but it should not go in the direction of 'the president wanting a particular person to be elected party leader.'"

This was a remark aimed at Assemblyman Kim, who is mentioned as the 'Yunshim candidate' within the party based on the 'Kim Jang Alliance' with Assemblyman Jang Je-won. Especially, Kim’s recent rise from fifth to third place in party support is seen as a threat.

As the long deliberation continues, the 'time for decision' is gradually approaching.

Kim Jae-seop, head of the People Power Party Dobong District Party Committee, said on CBS's 'Park Jae-hong's One Round Match' on the 2nd, "Declarations of candidacy by party leadership candidates are expected, and each candidate is in the process of forming their campaign teams. Among those who support or intend to support Vice-Chair Na, if they are quickly drawn away here, it may lead to a situation where they cannot help later," predicting that Vice-Chair Na’s decision is not far off.