[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won will announce her official stance on running for the party leadership election on the 25th, about a week before the March 8 party convention candidate registration. The candidates for the People Power Party leadership who have officially declared their candidacy continued to court voters even on the last day of the holiday, the 24th.
On this day, Na's side announced that she would make an official statement regarding the party leadership election at 11 a.m. the next day at the People Power Party Central Party Office. This is the first time that Na, who had been reserved saying she would "consider it," officially announces her position related to the party leader.
Earlier, on the 16th, Na conveyed through an aide that "I will consider (declaring candidacy) when the president, who is working hard for national interests, returns home." President Yoon returned on the 21st after his visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Switzerland.
Na, who was speculated to be close to announcing her candidacy after paying respects at the graves of former presidents Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee, and Kim Young-sam, faced difficulties after expressing her opinion on the dismissal of the Vice Chairperson of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, stating, "I think it was not the president's intention." The presidential office directly refuted Na's remarks, and 50 first-term party lawmakers issued a statement demanding an official apology. Since then, Na remained silent throughout the Lunar New Year holiday.
Kim and Ahn Hold 'Meetings' at the Same Time
Kim Ki-hyun, a candidate who has already declared his candidacy for the party leadership, held a luncheon meeting with reporters at 12 p.m. in Yeouido, Seoul, to discuss public and party sentiments during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Kim said, "By gathering here over Yeonpotang, we are determined to unite through solidarity, inclusion, and balance for the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol government and the People Power Party."
He emphasized that he is the candidate who aligns with President Yoon's mindset. He said, "During the holiday, I met many local residents who asked why there is a lack of harmony when President Yoon is trying to work. The president's success is the success of the People Power Party and the success of the Republic of Korea, so I will work closely to produce results."
When asked about criticism that this party convention might be a nomination system based on President Yoon's influence, he replied, "Those who say that are the real 'Yoonism exploiters.' Communicating and empathizing with the president is a necessary premise. Besides President Yoon, the voices of various members will also be reflected, which is the politics of Yeonpotang."
At the same time as Kim's meeting, Ahn Cheol-soo held a meeting with North Korean defectors. Ahn explained the reason for the meeting, saying, "Even during the holidays, those who cannot go home to see their relatives are mainly North Korean defectors." He added, "Over the past five years, there has been avoidance of interest in defectors and mention of North Korean human rights. Now is the time to correct those mistakes."
After the meeting, Ahn expressed confidence in the runoff election to reporters. He said, "My current goal is to be the top candidate in the first round. I believe the person who can gather the centrist votes and the 2030 generation votes, which are important parts of the metropolitan area, and who can manage various nomination conflicts well, is needed, and I am the only candidate who meets all three conditions."
The two candidates exchanged some jabs. While discussing the direction of nominations, Kim said, "Suddenly joining the party without knowing the roles of each member, and running and fighting with someone who only heard rumors, the eyes on who is actually capable will inevitably differ." Regarding a reporter's question about Kim Ki-hyun's remark about being from a 'dirt spoon' background, Ahn said, "It is bewildering that someone who shouted Yeonpotang suddenly shouts 'mud fight' the next day. Changing stories back and forth depending on situations or strategies is not a desirable attitude."
Another party leadership candidate, Cho Kyung-tae, plans to hold a meeting with supporters in Seoul after an interview with Pen & Mike TV in the afternoon. Yoon Sang-hyun will meet with local party members and lawmakers in Uijeongbu and Busan.
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