羅's Withdrawal... Ahn 'Embarrassed', Kim 'Respectful', Yoon 'Regretful'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Reactions among party leadership candidates diverged following former lawmaker Na Kyung-won's announcement on the 25th that she would not run in the party leadership election. Lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo appeared flustered, Lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun expressed regret, while Lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun conveyed his respect.

On the same day, Kim posted on his social media, "I pay tribute to this agonizing decision," adding, "This decision is understood as a self-sacrifice based on a deep love for our party, which has been steadfastly maintained for over 20 years with a single path and unified heart, aiming to fulfill the public's hope for a general election victory and the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won is leaving the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, after holding a press conference on the 25th announcing she will not run for party leader. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Former lawmaker Na stated that she decided to withdraw because her candidacy was being framed as a 'division,' which conflicted with her love for the party. She also expressed her feelings toward the presidential office and first-term lawmakers who pressured her not to run, saying, "Today's political reality is very unfamiliar." Kim said, "She presented the values and vision our party should pursue: putting the party first to prevent division and chaos, and promoting harmony and unity," adding, "Now it is our party's turn to respond to former lawmaker Na's sacrificial decision."

Meanwhile, Lawmaker Ahn expressed regret, saying, "Had she run, party members would have had more choices, and the party leadership election would have attracted greater public interest," and added, "I am also unsettled by the unfamiliar image of the party that former lawmaker Na revealed."

Lawmaker Yoon also expressed regret but urged support for the 'Capital Region Alliance.' Through social media, he stated, "I, Yoon Sang-hyun, will fill the void in the Capital Region leadership caused by former lawmaker Na's withdrawal," and emphasized, "Former lawmaker Na must also play a significant role in leading the general election victory and continue to lend her support."