Portrayed Unfavorably to the Public
Running Might Have Been Easier
Decision Not to Run "No Pressure from Other Forces"
[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Youngwon Kim] Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who declared she would not run in the People Power Party's March 8 leadership election, expressed her feelings on the 25th, saying, "I felt like the real mother in the Judgment of Solomon."
After a press conference at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Na met with reporters and said, "My candidacy was operating as a frame of division and was extremely confusing, and there was a part that could be seen by the public in a really negative light, so out of love for the party, I decided to step down."
She added, "Deciding to run might have been somewhat easy for me, but deciding not to run required a lot of courage. Out of love for the party and with the heart of the real mother in Solomon's judgment, I decided to step down this time."
Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won holds a press conference on the 25th at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, announcing she will not run for party leader. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
However, Na remained silent regarding the so-called pressure from the 'Pro-Yoon (Pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction,' backed by 'Yoonshim (President Yoon Seok-yeol's inner thoughts),' to not run. She said, "It does not seem appropriate to comment on that part," and added, "I hope our party can truly come together, unify, and move toward the future through this leadership election," withholding further remarks.
Regarding why she emphasized inclusion and unity in her declaration of candidacy, she responded, "Interpreting the declaration of candidacy could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings," and said, "I hope this entire process will serve as a foundation for the People Power Party to become a stronger and healthier party."
On whether she supports candidates Kim Ki-hyun or Ahn Cheol-soo for party leader, she said, "My decision not to run was not made due to any demands or pressure from any candidate or other factions," emphasizing, "I decided out of love for the party myself, and I have no space or intention to play any role in the upcoming leadership election."
Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won holds a press conference on the 25th at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, announcing she will not run for party leader. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
Regarding the petition written by first-term People Power Party lawmakers criticizing her, she said, "I understand their position."
At the press conference held at the Yeouido party headquarters that day, Na officially declared her withdrawal, saying, "If I can prevent the public's concern about our party's division and confusion and bring about harmony and unity, I will bravely step down."
She said, "Now, with the spirit of putting the party before oneself and seeking harmony, I will embark on a long journey toward a new future and solidarity, pursuing the dreams and visions that all citizens and party members want to achieve," adding, "If my stepping down today can illuminate the path ahead for all of us, I believe that too is progress."
Na stated, "In 2019, our party members and the public created the possibility of regime change in the National Assembly and at Gwanghwamun Square and other squares nationwide, opening the way for the birth of the Yoon Seok-yeol government," and said, "I will fulfill my mission as an ‘eternal party member’ to help the People Power Party do better and regain more public trust."
She continued, "I will uphold the honor of South Korea’s traditional conservative party," adding, "This regime change was hard-won. We must not let this precious opportunity to restore people’s livelihoods, reestablish the rule of law, and set the constitutional order straight go to waste."
She emphasized, "A political party is the root of liberal democracy. Let us never give up on inclusion and respect. Rather than orderly lethargy, we need disorderly vitality."
She also added, "I wish for a healthy People Power Party and the true success of the Yoon Seok-yeol government."
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