Why Did Na Kyung-won Choose Not to Run... "Na's Political Style Is Not About Seizing Power"

Na "Bravely Steps Down" Announces Non-Candidacy
Jang Seong-cheol Evaluates "Loses Life as a Leader"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who had been deliberating whether to run in the People Power Party leadership election, ultimately declared that she would not run. Until last month, Na was the most prominent candidate, holding the number one support rate among the People Power Party base for party leader.

Contrary to speculation that she would announce her candidacy at a press conference on the 25th, she declared her withdrawal, saying she would "bravely step down." It is evaluated that she could not overcome the negative atmosphere from the presidential office and the pro-Yoon faction's pressure to not run.

On the same day, Jang Sung-chul, director of the Public Opinion Center, appeared on YTN News & Issue and analyzed four reasons why Na Kyung-won had no choice but to withdraw.

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

First, Director Jang said, "The pressure from the president, the presidential office, Yoon's close aides (Yoon Hae-gwan), and People Power Party lawmakers saying 'Na Kyung-won should not run' was extremely strong," and speculated, "It would have been difficult to ignore that and run."

Second, he pointed to Na's declining approval ratings. Director Jang analyzed, "In the past two weeks, Na's polling support rate has been on a continuous downward trend. There was even a poll where she dropped to third place," and said that running under such circumstances would have been a heavy burden.

Third is Na's political style so far. Director Jang evaluated, "Na Kyung-won is not the type to overcome or fight against pressure to achieve what she wants. She has shown a tendency to follow and conform to power."

Therefore, while Na may continue to play a role as a senior lawmaker, she has lost her life as a political leader. He said, "A political leader should pay attention to the people, not to power," and pointed out, "Na's current appearance can be seen as paying attention to power."

Finally, Director Jang said, "I think she felt she had too much to protect. She instinctively sensed the risk that she herself could become quite vulnerable, and her family could also be at risk," adding, "So, I said that although Na should continuously run in the leadership election, it is highly likely that she will not be able to."