Ra's Withdrawal from Candidacy... How Will the Ruling Party's Leadership Race Landscape Change?

Shift from Kim-An-Na to Kim-An dynamic
Na Kyung-won's voter sentiment causes turmoil in the ruling party's presidential race standings

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won declared on the 25th that she will not run in the People Power Party leadership election, signaling a significant change in the leadership race scheduled for early March. The three-way race among Kim Ki-hyun, Ahn Cheol-soo, and Na Kyung-won is breaking up, reshaping into a two-person contest, making it possible that a majority winner could emerge in the first round of voting. Although Na Kyung-won drew a line against coalition rumors, saying there is "no space for me to play a role," the possibility of side support through an alliance still remains.

On the 25th, former lawmaker Na held a press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "If I can prevent the public's concern over our party's division and confusion and bring us back to harmony and unity, I will bravely step down," and announced her decision not to run.

Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won is entering the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 25th to hold a press conference regarding her candidacy for party leader. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

She clarified that her decision not to run was "not made due to any demands or pressure from any candidate or faction," but it is understood that a combination of pressure from the presidential office and within the party, as well as a decline in approval ratings, influenced her decision. Until early this month, Na was leading in intra-party support, but amid controversies such as the 'Yoon-sim (尹心)' issue, she was overtaken by lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun.

The leadership election was expected to be a three-way contest among Kim Ki-hyun, Ahn Cheol-soo, and Na Kyung-won, but with Na's mid-course withdrawal, a two-person race between Kim and Ahn is likely to form. Considering the advantages and disadvantages for each candidate, Ahn Cheol-soo currently holds the most favorable position.

According to a public opinion poll conducted by Embrain Public on behalf of YTN from the 22nd to 23rd, surveying 2,002 People Power Party supporters nationwide aged 18 and over, Ahn ranked second in suitability for the next party leader, slightly behind Kim. However, in a hypothetical head-to-head runoff, Ahn led Kim beyond the margin of error. If the leadership election is held in a two-person race, Ahn is highly likely to defeat Kim and win.

There is also a possibility that the contest could be decided in the first round without proceeding to a runoff if a 'majority first-place winner' emerges. Both Kim and Ahn appear confident about securing a majority in the first round. Kim has set the goal of winning a majority in the first round, and Ahn responded by pledging, "I will secure a majority in the first round and prevent a runoff."

With more than a month remaining until the leadership election, the direction in which the votes that previously supported Na Kyung-won will ultimately swing is expected to determine the outcome. This means Na still has room to exert influence through alliances. When asked at the press conference whether she plans to support or ally with other candidates, she replied, "There is no space for me to play any role in the upcoming leadership election," but the candidates have sent her 'love calls.'

Yoon Sang-hyun, a People Power Party lawmaker who has formed a 'capital region alliance' with Ahn Cheol-soo, hinted at the possibility of an alliance through social media, stating, "Former lawmaker Na must also play a significant role in leading the general election victory and continue to lend her strength." Kim Ki-hyun also said, "I will join hands with former leader Na, who has protected and endured with our party for over 20 years, to achieve a wonderful harmony."