"'If it's the 'Kimjjikjang' logic, then 'Anjjikkim' too'"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Yoon Hee-seok, former spokesperson of the People Power Party and head of public relations for Kim Ki-hyun’s campaign, a contender for party leadership, hinted that the impact of the rumored alliance between Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo and former Assemblywoman Na Kyung-won would not be significant, saying, "They are just people who have done politics in the metropolitan area."
On the 20th, on BBS's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal,' former Assemblyman Yoon said, "Is there any point where supporters of former Assemblywoman Na and Assemblyman Ahn can form a so-called political alliance?" He pointed out that aside from having served as lawmakers in the metropolitan area, there are no significant commonalities in their political backgrounds. Former Assemblywoman Na, known as a 'conservative idol,' and Assemblyman Ahn, who advocates centrist politics, have non-overlapping support bases.
He said, "Can supporters of both sides consolidate their support to one side?" and added, "Considering how these individuals have conducted politics, where they have done politics, and the circumstances under which they entered politics, there are almost no similarities."
Some speculate that if former Assemblywoman Na does not run, a runoff between 'Kim Ki-hyun vs. Ahn Cheol-soo' could emerge, and with anti-Yoon (non-Yoon) votes consolidating, Assemblyman Ahn might win. Former Assemblyman Yoon said, "Mechanically adding up the support rates of all candidates except Kim and assuming that the sum becomes the support rate of the other candidate is what people say," and added, "I do not believe that supporters of other candidates will vote simply with the perspective of 'as long as it’s not Candidate Kim' when making their second choice."
He explained that even if former Assemblywoman Na is eliminated, her supporters will not necessarily vote for Assemblyman Ahn. He said, "If they are members of the People Power Party, they are likely to make the most strategic judgment, voting with the consideration of who aligns with the party’s line, who can lead the general election to victory, and who can communicate most smoothly with the president."
Not only Assemblyman Ahn but also Assemblyman Kim has shown willingness to embrace former Assemblywoman Na. Regarding whether Kim and Na will meet during the Lunar New Year holiday, he responded, "I do not know the ongoing situation, but it is a scenario that is quite possible."
On the other hand, Assemblyman Ahn’s side emphasizes the so-called 'Kim-Jjang' frame, suggesting that if Kim is elected, Assemblyman Jang Je-won, a 'Yoon core associate,' might serve as secretary-general or control party affairs through a proxy. Former Assemblyman Yoon responded, "If Assemblyman Ahn is elected, then Kim Young-woo, the campaign committee chairman, would appoint a proxy to major party positions and say that he will handle everything behind the scenes? One could ask this question in reverse," adding, "Political attacks are fine, but crossing the line is not desirable."
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