Nakyungwon's Position Dispute... Resignation Controversy Round 2

Resignation of Low Birthrate and Aging Society Subcommittee Vice Chair Reported
Presidential Office "Has Not Heard," Diverse Interpretations in Political Circles

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] It is reported that Na Kyung-won, Vice Chairperson of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, expressed her intention to resign to the Presidential Office just three months after her appointment. However, the Presidential Office stated that they "have not heard anything" regarding this. With both sides giving conflicting statements about the resignation, there is speculation that the appointing authority, the President, may reject it.

On the 10th, Vice Chairperson Na reportedly conveyed her resignation to President Yoon Seok-yeol through Kim Dae-gi, Chief Secretary of the Presidential Office, saying, "I am expressing my intention to resign as I have caused concern to the President."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, the Presidential Office stated that they "have not been informed" of this.

This comes shortly after the Presidential Office dismissed Vice Chairperson Na's 'debt relief' low birthrate policy as "inconsistent with the government's stance," causing discord. Now, conflicting statements have again emerged regarding her resignation. There is also speculation that President Yoon, who holds personnel authority, may reject or delay accepting her resignation.

Some interpret that the Presidential Office is trying to curb Vice Chairperson Na's political moves to prevent her from running for party leadership. Former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chair Kim Jong-in said on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' this morning, "When Na was appointed as Vice Chairperson of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, it implied that she should not challenge for party leadership. Since she is showing the opposite direction, I speculate that such a strong reaction has emerged."

Vice Chairperson Na's expression of intent to resign can also be interpreted as a declaration of her intention to run in the party leadership election. Kim Jung-jae, a lawmaker classified as 'pro-Yoon' within the party, urged her to resign on YTN's 'News King with Park Ji-hoon' this morning, saying, "If she intends to run in the party leadership election, she should resign from the vice chairperson position promptly."

Vice Chairperson Na has not yet made a decision regarding her candidacy for the party leadership election and appears to be observing the situation, but there is speculation that she will make a decision before the Lunar New Year. According to the detailed schedule for the People Power Party leadership election confirmed today by the party's election management committee, candidate registration will take place from February 2nd to 3rd.