Jang Ye-chan "Yoon's 'Affectionate' Message... Na Kyung-won Likely to Have Difficulty Running"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Regarding the resignation of former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who stepped down from her position as Vice Chairperson of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, and reports that President Yoon Suk-yeol is not considering accepting it, Jang Ye-chan, chairman of the Youth Foundation classified as "pro-Yoon," predicted, "It might become somewhat difficult for her to run for office."

On the 12th, Chairman Jang said on MBC's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," "Former lawmaker Na must be deeply concerned, but having resolved the confusion related to policies and confirmed the president's affectionate message, she might temporarily shift her focus to the low birthrate crisis or climate crisis."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He referred to reports that President Yoon has affection for Vice Chairperson Na and is not considering her resignation, saying, "A resignation is not something done by phone or text; if she formally submits her resignation according to the system, the Ministry of Personnel Management reports it to the president, and it must be approved by the president to take effect," adding, "the president's current stance of 'having affection and not considering the resignation' means she should work harder at the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee."

He further pointed out, "What political momentum would there be to go against that and submit a resignation to the Ministry of Personnel Management? The moment that happens, she could face various other difficulties."

Previously, former lawmaker Na, as Vice Chairperson of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, announced a 'loan forgiveness' policy for low birthrate but clashed with the presidential office. If she reverses her resignation and returns as vice chairperson, she would have to set aside her convictions. Chairman Jang said, "She mentioned it was not a finalized policy but one of several opinions," adding, "If it is refined through public-private cooperative forums or policy meetings, even if a different form of low birthrate measure other than loan forgiveness emerges later, sufficient legitimacy can be built."

He also said, "The low birthrate and climate crises are not only problems of South Korea but of humanity. If achievements are made here, she could receive cheers and applause beyond just leading the general election well as party leader," adding, "Party members' voices call for creating a united leadership to overcome the presidential election dispute, so former lawmaker Na's deep concerns will grow regarding that grand cause."