[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won visited the graves of former Presidents Lee Seung-man, Park Chung-hee, and Kim Young-sam in succession, stating, "I will engage in politics that lives forever." It appears she has effectively confirmed her intention to run for office.
On the 16th, Na posted on her social media (SNS), "I will continue my path to uphold conservative values and create a proud conservatism. Today, I made this promise in front of the three former presidents," she said.
Park Jong-hee, a former People Power Party lawmaker assisting her, conveyed that "she is expected to announce her intention to run after President Yoon Seok-youl returns to the country," and by emphasizing her status as the 'origin of conservatism,' it is interpreted that she has effectively confirmed her candidacy.
Na said, "Just standing briefly beside the leaders who are the roots and pillars of our conservatism was a great comfort to me," adding, "I also reaffirmed my determination to build a Republic of Korea that properly remembers and appreciates their great achievements, which have been obscured by malicious historical distortion."
She mentioned her past struggles to block the establishment of the Corruption Investigation Office and election law reforms during her time as floor leader, her visit to the United States to prevent a peace declaration, and her attendance at the 'Resign Cho Kuk' rally, stating, "To protect the proud values of our conservatism?liberal democracy and market economy?I have steadfastly engaged in politics without wavering. Perhaps that is why I am the politician most persistently attacked and bitten by the left," she asserted.
Na emphasized, "Rather, these are honorable wounds for me," adding, "I am, quite literally, a traditional conservative. I can confidently say I am the origin of conservatism, having never left the party." By visiting the graves of senior conservative politicians to stress her status as the 'conservative heir' and highlighting her 'conservative warrior' actions during her tenure as floor leader, it is interpreted that she has nearly solidified her intention to run.
At the same time, she showed a 'pro-Yoon' stance, saying, "Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl responded to the people's aspirations and calls with a 'decision of the rule of law.' Together, we planted the seeds of regime change. The miracle of regime change in March 2022 began that way." Although President Yoon Seok-youl distanced himself by simultaneously dismissing Na from the positions of Vice Chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee and Climate Ambassador, it is interpreted that she judged it unwise to confront President Yoon in the party convention, which is decided 100% by party members' votes.
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