Opposing Yoon's Sentiment and Running for Party Presidency May Jeopardize Support Ratings
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Na Kyung-won, Vice Chairperson of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee and Climate Ambassador, who is leading the polls for the next ruling party leader among conservative supporters, faces a critical crossroads. This comes as the presidential office has stepped in to halt her move ahead of the party convention scheduled for March. Rival candidates for party leadership have pointed out that her dual roles make her candidacy inappropriate.
On the 9th, Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, appeared on CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "(Whether dual roles) are legally permissible and whether they are acceptable to public sentiment are separate issues," adding, "Since there has been no precedent for this in the past, it is somewhat excessive." He explained that even if it is legally possible, it would be difficult to accept from the public's perspective. He also noted that the opposition party could politically exploit this issue.
Yoon Sang-hyun, also a member of the People Power Party, said on YTN's 'News King with Park Ji-hoon,' "If she resigns from her current position to run, there could be a backlash from public opinion accusing her of irresponsibility. In such cases, if she had intended to run for party leader, it would have been better not to have taken the position in the first place."
Within the party, there have also been criticisms that it is inappropriate for Vice Chairperson Na to run while holding a government position. On the 5th, Lee Jae-oh, senior advisor of the People Power Party, said on CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "The appointing authority must have said that she would not run for party leader when appointing her. If she announces her candidacy less than two months after being appointed, the appointing authority looks very ridiculous and loses authority." This act is seen as placing a burden even on President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is the appointing authority.
Previously, the tense exchanges with the presidential office over low birthrate measures have also contributed to Vice Chairperson Na's dilemma. On the 6th, the presidential office dismissed the 'loan forgiveness' low birthrate policy announced by Vice Chairperson Na as "unrelated to the current administration's policies." Vice Chairperson Na responded by saying, "I fully understand the presidential office's concerns," attempting to ease tensions, but analysts interpret this as the presidential office sending a 'warning shot' ahead of her party leadership bid.
There are even remarks within the presidential office hinting at the possibility of 'dismissal.' On the 6th, Hong Joon-pyo, mayor of Daegu and senior advisor of the People Power Party, warned on his social media, "She must heed the presidential office's warning. If she continues to jockey for two positions and act recklessly as in the past, the presidential office may proceed with a cut-off procedure."
This clash particularly starkly revealed that she lacks 'Yun-sim (Yoon's favor),' and it is uncertain whether Vice Chairperson Na's approval ratings can be maintained if she insists on running. Visiting Professor Jeong Ki-nam of Chosun University said on CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "Despite the presidential office's clear stance and recommendations not to run, if she pushes forward, can her approval ratings really hold? This is her biggest concern."
Although Vice Chairperson Na's dilemma is prolonging, time is running out. Candidates competing with her for party leadership have already tightened their shoelaces and started off. On the same day, Ahn Cheol-soo declared his official candidacy at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, saying, "I am running not to be a leader who leans on President Yoon's power, but to be a leader who supports President Yoon," while Kim Ki-hyun held a campaign office opening ceremony.
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