Kim Gi-hyun, who called for 'Synchronization with Yoon,' will he achieve 'Yoonism Unification'?

Dangsim Poll Leader Na Kyung-won Hesitates on Candidacy
Kim Jeong-jae Says "Politics Requires Seriousness and Patience"... Urges Withdrawal

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] With about 60 days left until the party convention to elect the ruling party leadership, the 'Pro-Yoon (친윤)' faction, centered around Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, has begun organizing their positions. The catalyst was the announcement by Kwon Seong-dong, who was called the original Yoon Core Member (Yoon Seok-yeol’s key associate), that he would not run.

Regarding Na Kyung-won, Vice Chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee and Climate Ambassador, who is still showing ambiguous moves, voices urging her not to run are emerging mainly from the Pro-Yoon faction, drawing attention to whether the 'Yoon’s heart (윤심)' will unify behind Kim.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Jung-jae, a leading Pro-Yoon member within the ruling party, said on the 6th on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun’s Political Show' to Vice Chair Na, "I hope you would focus a bit more on meaningful work as a politician," adding, "You must be contemplating (running), but I believe politics should be serious and viewed with a long-term perspective." He criticized that stepping down from two important roles in the Yoon administration?the Vice Chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee and Climate Ambassador?after only three months to run in the party convention is neither serious nor based on a long-term view.

He said, "(Running) is her choice, and whichever she chooses is fine, but the work she is currently doing is already very meaningful," adding, "It would be regrettable to quit soon without producing any results."

He also pointed out that her candidacy would be a burden to President Yoon Seok-yeol, who has the authority to appoint her. Kim said, "If she says she will run in the party convention, usually she would not accept the position," adding, "but accepting the position makes anyone think she will not run in the convention, including the President."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

If Vice Chair Na, who is still deliberating, decides to run, the power struggle for party leadership will become somewhat complicated. Compared to her support base within the party, Kim’s public recognition is lower, and in opinion polls, his support rate is lower than that of Vice Chair Na and Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo. Also, if Vice Chair Na and her significant overlapping support base split votes, there is a possibility that Assemblyman Ahn could surpass them.

Seemingly aware of this dynamic, Kim said at a New Year’s meeting with reporters in Songpa-eul, Seoul, the day before, "Assemblyman Na also has almost similar capabilities, commonalities, and a base as I do, so through mutual understanding and communication, we will discuss what needs to be done for President Yoon’s success." This was interpreted as hinting at the possibility of alliance or unification.

Assemblyman Ahn, who boasts stable support in both public and party opinion polls, is a tough opponent even for Kim. Especially threatening is his stable support in the metropolitan area, one of the ruling party’s weaknesses. It is uncertain whether he has 'Yoon’s heart,' but given that it was recently revealed he was invited to the presidential residence, there is a possibility he could absorb some Pro-Yoon votes. There is also likely to be a significant demand for strategic voting from party members hoping for victory in next year’s general election.

Kim is a definite candidate with Yoon’s heart and has strengths in opposition party battles, making it likely he will attract votes from the party’s hardline faction. At the New Year’s meeting, where he gave a special lecture to party members, he said, "To win next year’s general election, President Yoon and the party must be synchronized," and "The party should be one where just a glance between President Yoon and us conveys mutual understanding." He also emphasized his 'combat power' in the opposition by mentioning that he has been sued or accused seven times by Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.