Na Kyung-won "Shares Many Views with Kim Ki-hyun"... Effectively Declares Support

Lunch Meeting Between Na Kyung-won and Kim Ki-hyun in Seoul on the 7th

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Kim Ki-hyun, the People Power Party candidate for party leader in the March 8 party convention, met with former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who announced on the 7th that she would not run in the convention, and stated that they "shared many perceptions." After Kim's third meeting, it is interpreted that former lawmaker Na has effectively endorsed Kim.

Former lawmaker Na said at a press conference after having lunch with candidate Kim at a restaurant in Seoul in the afternoon, "We had extensive discussions about what kind of Republic of Korea we want to build, as well as our love and sincere loyalty to the party."

On the afternoon of the 7th, Kim Ki-hyun, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and former lawmaker Na Kyung-won are announcing their positions related to the party convention in front of Dalgaebi in Jung-gu, Seoul. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Former lawmaker Na added, "It is very regrettable that the party convention seems to be turning into a divisive one," and emphasized, "What we need to think about is the successful governance of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and winning next year's general election. Any personal interests must be set aside for that."

Candidate Kim said he plans to continue communicating with former lawmaker Na. Kim stated, "(Former lawmaker Na) has been with us through 20 years of shared hardships and efforts to uphold and realize the values of the conservative right-wing party," adding, "Going forward, I will share more opinions and seek advice from former lawmaker Na to better realize conservative right-wing values and create a happier and more prosperous country for the people."

When asked if former lawmaker Na had declared her support, candidate Kim replied, "You can understand it as a commitment to engage in many discussions together going forward," and said, "Former lawmaker Na has affection for our party and a will for the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol government, so I am confident that there will be many opportunities for cooperation in the future."

Earlier, former lawmaker Na had declared she would not run and would not play any role in the party convention, but she left open the possibility of alliance on this day. She explained, "I have many concerns about the state of the party convention. This is a very difficult time and a time when much needs to be done," adding, "I will play a role in the necessary areas to ensure successful governance and victory in the general election."

Kim, who is competing with candidate Ahn Cheol-soo for party leadership, has recently visited former lawmaker Na repeatedly. After visiting her residence on the 3rd, he even traveled to Gangwon Province on the 5th to meet her while she was on a family trip.