[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Ki-hyun, a leading candidate for party leadership from the People Power Party, described the attempts by fellow candidate Ahn Cheol-soo to counter him with the 'Kimjjikjang (If you vote for Kim Ki-hyun, Jang Je-won becomes Secretary-General)' narrative as "frustrating," emphasizing that he will pursue "Yeonpotang (Yeondae·Poyong·Tangpyeong) politics" (solidarity, inclusion, and balance).
On the 18th, during KBS's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs,' Kim said, "Assemblyman Jang Je-won possesses valuable assets, and we should jointly own and lead the party together with such talents to the fullest extent."
Ahn has appealed to the party's 'Ban Jang (Anti-Jang)' sentiment by warning that if Kim is elected, Jang could become Secretary-General, targeting the 'Kim Jang Yeondae (Kim Ki-hyun-Jang Je-won alliance)'.
However, Kim responded, "Doing things that way is somewhat frustrating," pointing out, "A party grows through solidarity, integration, and inclusion, but if one keeps sowing seeds of division to pursue personal policy interests, that is an improper attitude."
He added, "Why would someone who claims to pursue grand politics and walk the broad path keep subtracting? Candidate Ahn Cheol-soo, Assemblyman Jang Je-won, and Assemblywoman Na Kyung-won all have their strengths, and the other candidates running now are the same. We should embrace everyone, not exclude some or label others as bad people."
He also mentioned former Assemblyman Yoo Seung-min, emphasizing his commitment to 'inclusive politics.' Kim said, "Candidates like Ahn Cheol-soo, Yoon Sang-hyun, and Cho Kyung-tae all have their own capabilities, having served four or five terms. We will unite, include, and integrate with all of them. As for former Assemblyman Yoo, although his tendencies differ, I want to believe he hopes for the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration." This was in reference to Yoo's recent statement that if he became the party leader, he would not grant nominations to 'Yoon Simpal' and 'Yoon Haekgwan' factions.
Regarding media speculation that Kim's remark "The Kim Jang season is over" signals the end of the 'Kim Jang Yeondae,' Kim called it a "strangely distorted article," clarifying, "I have never used the term 'Kim Jang Yeondae' before, but when asked, I said, 'The Kim Jang season is over. You can't just live on kimchi alone, right? We need to put kimchi, doenjang stew, soft tofu stew, soup, and rice on the people's table.' This shows there is no significant change from my previous stance."
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