Kim Ki-hyun Imitates President Yoon... Even Throws an Uppercut at North Korea

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The election campaign of Kim Ki-hyun, a candidate for the leadership of the People Power Party, is drawing attention. He is actively promoting himself as the so-called 'Yunsim (a candidate who has gained President Yoon Seok-yeol's favor)' by performing a drum-beating act used during President Yoon's presidential campaign and reenacting the uppercut ceremony.

At the opening ceremony of the 'Winning Camp 5560' in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 9th, a drum used during President Yoon's presidential campaign in Chungnam appeared. The drum bore President Yoon's handwritten signature and phrases such as 'Power of Chungcheong' and 'People Power Party.' On that day, Kim performed a powerful drum-beating act in front of the camp. He also emphasized the harmony between the party and government, saying, "I am convinced that we must not sow the seeds of internal division in the early days of President Yoon's term."

Kim also performed President Yoon's trademark uppercut ceremony. On the 11th, as he left the People Power Party central office, he responded to the cheers and chants of supporters by throwing two uppercuts.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim's 'imitating President Yoon' appears to be a means to emphasize that he is the Yunsim candidate. Since having a dinner with President Yoon and his wife at the presidential residence in December last year, Kim has been regarded as a candidate favored by Yunsim. He has rapidly emerged as a leading candidate for party leadership by showcasing his influence through the so-called 'Kim-Jang alliance' with Jang Je-won, a key figure in the pro-Yoon faction.

Compared to other leadership candidates such as former lawmakers Na Kyung-won and Yoo Seung-min, and lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim's support rate, which had been low, began to show a gradual upward trend after the dinner at the presidential residence. According to a poll conducted by Hangil Research on behalf of Cookie News from the 7th to the 9th, surveying 1,020 people nationwide about the next party leader support rate (with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points), Kim recorded 18.8% support among People Power Party supporters, ranking second after former lawmaker Na (30.7%). For detailed information, refer to the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission.

However, Kim's lower recognition compared to former lawmaker Na and lawmaker Ahn is considered a weakness. Therefore, it is analyzed that Kim aims to solidify his image as the Yunsim candidate and gain support by performing acts imitating President Yoon.

Meanwhile, competitor Ahn seemed to check Kim by saying, "I promise to be a 'Yunhim candidate' who adds strength to the president, not a Yunsim-selling candidate who relies on the president's achievements."