Kim Young-woo: "I did talk with Jang Je-won... He was very worried"

"Jang Je-won, Likely Disappointed with Kim"
"Jang Je-won Borrowed Strength, Now an Entertainer?"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former lawmaker Kim Young-woo, who served as the campaign committee chairman for Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo's primary camp, revealed that he had a phone call with Assemblyman Jang Je-won, part of the so-called 'Kim-Jang Alliance (Kim Ki-hyun-Jang Je-won).' This suggests contact between Assemblyman Jang, who is allied with Kim Ki-hyun?Ahn's competitor?and Ahn's side, indicating a possible fracture in the Kim-Jang Alliance.

On the 1st, former lawmaker Kim said on YTN's 'News King Park Ji-hoon' program, "(Assemblyman Jang) called me during the Lunar New Year holiday. He expressed various personal feelings," he said.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former lawmaker Kim revealed that he had a conversation with Assemblyman Jang regarding former Assemblywoman Na Kyung-won’s decision not to run. He said, "We talked about various things related to former Assemblywoman Na’s withdrawal, just before she announced her decision," adding, "He shared his feelings about the events that had occurred. Assemblywoman Na and Assemblyman Jang are very close, so I listened to his feelings thoroughly, and he seemed quite worried."

Assemblyman Jang played a significant role in the early rise of Assemblyman Kim’s approval ratings by being linked through the Kim-Jang Alliance. However, after Assemblyman Jang labeled former Assemblywoman Na as the 'leader of the anti-Yoon faction' and clashed with her, a growing 'anti-Jang Je-won' sentiment emerged, leading him to refrain from all activities and remain silent. Assemblyman Kim also distanced himself by stating, "The Kim-Jang era is over."

In this context, Assemblyman Jang’s phone call to former lawmaker Kim, a close aide to Assemblyman Ahn, can be interpreted as a sign of cracks in the Kim-Jang Alliance. Former lawmaker Kim said, "I cannot say for sure," but pointed out the limitations of the Kim-Jang Alliance, saying, "'The Kim-Jang Alliance' was effective, but it went too far. Because it cannot be considered a true alliance. Assemblyman Jang is not even a candidate, and this is neither a regional alliance nor a policy alliance."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He added, "Assemblyman Kim said, 'The Kim-Jang era is over, there is no Kim-Jang alliance anymore.' If I were Assemblyman Jang, I would feel somewhat personally hurt," but he also said, "I cannot say for sure."

Regarding Assemblyman Jang’s remark the day before that "we must elect a candidate who aligns with the president," former lawmaker Kim said, "From Assemblyman Jang’s perspective, I can fully understand that he means Assemblyman Kim aligns with the president," emphasizing, "But I believe there is no one who harmonizes with President Yoon Seok-youl as perfectly as Assemblyman Ahn does."

On the controversy over Assemblyman Kim posting photos with volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung and singer Nam Jin on social media, former lawmaker Kim said, "It seems that Assemblyman Kim’s side was a bit rushed, causing this incident, which is really unfortunate," adding, "He once borrowed Assemblyman Jang’s influence through the Kim-Jang Alliance, but now borrowing the power of celebrities again makes me think he might lack confidence in standing alone."