Kim Ki-hyun on Ahn's 'Tochak Waegu' Remark: "Hate Speech... There Is a Line That Must Be Respected"

Ahn Cheol-soo Criticizes 'Capital Region Leadership Theory'
"Tochakwaegu Is a Hate Term Often Used by the Opposition"

Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the National Assembly who declared his candidacy for the leader of the People Power Party, is attending the "Great Debate for the Preparation of Legislation on Non-face-to-face Medical Treatment" held at the National Assembly on the 10th and delivering a congratulatory speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Myunghwan] Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, rebutted on the 13th against Ahn Cheol-soo, his rival in the party leadership race, who criticized him by calling him a "Tochak Waegu worldview," calling it a "baseless frame."

On the same day, Kim wrote on his social media (SNS), "Ahn connected the very common-sense argument that 'party members should elect the party leader' to the Tochak Waegu theory," expressing his disagreement.

Earlier, Kim responded to a question in Daegu the previous day asking, "Can a party leader elected solely by party members receive support in the general election?" by retorting, "Is it possible to reflect 30% of Japanese public opinion when selecting the coach of the Korean soccer team?" When this remark became known, Ahn said, "I cannot understand how our supporters can be slandered as Japanese citizens," and criticized, "It is inappropriate to follow the Tochak Waegu theory, which was a remnant of the previous Moon Jae-in administration."

In response, Kim said, "Tochak Waegu is a hateful term frequently used by the Democratic Party when attacking our party members with a pro-Japanese frame," adding, "I even worry that slogans like 'grab the bamboo spear' might appear." He continued, "No matter how desperate the situation with falling approval ratings is, there is a line that must be respected," and said, "The orthodox People Power Party has upheld that boundary."

During his visit to the Jungnang-eul party branch in Seoul that afternoon, Kim also took aim at Ahn's claim of the "Capital Region representation theory." Kim said, "There may be some logic in saying 'the leader should come from the Capital Region,'" but argued, "Looking at past elections, this parliamentary election is one where President Yoon is the face of our party."

He emphasized, "Right now, the president is Yoon Seok-yeol, so what if there is another sun in the party?" and added, "It’s not about trying to build a base for something in the future, but about needing someone who will support the president well even if they stay behind the scenes."