Kim Ki-hyun, Kim Yeon-koung and Nam Jin Celebration Photo Description
"Very Grateful for the Support Sent"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the National Assembly challenging for the leadership of the People Power Party, stated on the 30th in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that he "was not originally acquainted" with volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung regarding the photo taken together.
Earlier, on the 27th, Kim posted a photo on social media (SNS) with player Kim Yeon-koung, singer Nam Jin, and others. In the photo, Kim Yeon-koung and Nam Jin were making a 'thumbs up' gesture with their hands, and Kim was in the center, smiling and holding a bouquet of flowers.
On SNS, Kim said, "Yesterday, I spent a comfortable evening with some familiar faces after a long time. I sincerely thank player Kim Yeon-koung and Mr. Nam Jin, who took precious time to support me running for party leader and even prepared a bouquet of flowers. With your generous support and encouragement, I will definitely win!"
After Kim's photo was made public, there was intense interest regarding Kim Yeon-koung's political stance. The connection between Kim Yeon-koung and Kim Ki-hyun, as well as the background of the bouquet presentation, became topics of attention. Based solely on Kim's SNS explanation, it could be interpreted that there was a connection with Kim Yeon-koung and political support.
In the CBS radio interview, Kim clarified that he was not personally acquainted with Kim Yeon-koung. It is known that he was invited to the dining event.
Kim explained the situation at the time: "When I went, I was told that player Kim Yeon-koung and our singer Nam Jin would also be there. They were there. I greeted them, and they said they supported me, took photos with me, and had prepared flowers to give me as a gift. I was very grateful."
From Kim's statements on CBS Radio, it appears that although they were not personally acquainted before the meeting, he attended the dinner knowing Kim Yeon-koung would be there, and received flowers and took photos. It is difficult to definitively say whether Kim Yeon-koung intended to convey a political message by giving the bouquet.
It could have been given in the hope of Kim's victory in the ruling party's leadership election, or it could have been a gesture of support unrelated to political meaning.
Regarding this, Kim said in the CBS radio interview:
"Among the various leadership qualities that Kim Yeon-koung originally possesses is the ability to comfort and encourage each member of her team, to motivate them even when they are not doing well, and to voluntarily demonstrate leadership, actively engaging in activities and games. This aligns very well with the solidarity, inclusion, and reconciliation that I am talking about."
Kim added, "I have always thought that way. It happened that I met her at that place on that day, and I am very grateful that she showed support for Kim Ki-hyun."
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