Will Na Kyung-won, Who Withdrew from the Race, Become the 'Casting Vote' in the Ruling Party's Leadership Election?

Kim Ki-hyun "Nothing is not progressing"
Ahn Cheol-soo "Let's meet and talk once"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The presence of former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who declared she would not run in the party convention on the 25th, remains strong. Despite drawing a line by saying "there is no space for me to play a role," there is still anticipation that she could act as a 'casting vote' through alliances. Although calculations among candidates differ regarding Na's withdrawal, it is expected that it will ultimately strengthen lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo.

The ruling party's next leadership contender, lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun, hinted at an alliance on the 26th during KBS's "Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs," saying, "I will unite, embrace, and balance with any person or faction within our party. Naturally, former lawmaker Na is a good comrade who can join us."

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@

Lawmaker Kim, perceived to carry 'Yun-sim (尹心)'?the support of President Yoon?rapidly increased his approval ratings in a short period, but multiple polls show he trails lawmaker Ahn in a one-on-one matchup, indicating he still needs momentum. When asked by the host if he was willing to contact former lawmaker Na first for a meeting, he replied, "I can't say that nothing is progressing at all," suggesting communication between both sides is ongoing.

Lawmaker Ahn also expressed his intention to continue an alliance with former lawmaker Na. After a policy meeting with the 2030 Youth Special Advisory Group held at the Yeouido camp the previous day, he told reporters, "It's unfortunate. I would like to meet and talk at an appropriate time," adding, "The directions former lawmaker Na desires align with winning the metropolitan area." Ahn has been promoting a 'metropolitan alliance' with lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, whose constituency is in the metropolitan area, and hopes that former lawmaker Na will join this alliance.

Kim Young-woo, former lawmaker and spokesperson for Ahn's camp, also appeared on MBC's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" that day, calling Na's withdrawal a "double-edged sword," but emphasizing their commonality as politicians from 'metropolitan constituencies,' saying, "Those who need to do politics in the metropolitan area share that with former lawmaker Na. In that respect, there are people who will support candidate Ahn."

In political circles, it is anticipated that former lawmaker Na's withdrawal will ultimately bolster lawmaker Ahn. Former National Assembly Secretary-General Yoo In-tae said on CBS's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," "If you push that much, lawmaker Kim should have at least 50% or 60% (approval ratings). Many lawmakers have lined up like that, yet the approval rating is only that much, which could be quite risky in the runoff," adding, "(Ahn's chances of winning) are currently quite significant."

Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won also said on SBS's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show," "Looking at the party convention dynamics analytically, candidate Kim Ki-hyun seems advantageous, but candidate Ahn Cheol-soo is gaining attention as he has been in politics longer and makes sharp remarks toward President Yoon."