Kim Ki-hyun: "Criticizing the President Undermines Party Stability... Candidates with Presidential Ambitions Are Problematic"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Kim Ki-hyun, the People Power Party candidate for the March 8 party leadership election, stated on the 11th, "If any candidate persecutes or criticizes the president, it will cause a critical flaw in party stability."

On the same day, at a conservative policy debate held at Kangnam University in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Kim said, "There is a difference between delivering harsh words or public opinion to the president without filtering and making noise outside."

Kim added, "We must speak with one voice to produce the conclusion the people want and make things happen," and "We need to coordinate with the president to avoid internal conflicts."

He continued, "Have you seen me shake hands with former lawmaker Na Kyung-won and receive support? Kim Ki-hyun is a pro at making 'my side,'" adding, "After the party convention, I will take the lead in uniting as one voice and one team."

Regarding his rival candidate Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim said, "It is difficult for someone with presidential ambitions to be (party leader)," and "If current power and future power collide, impeachment, which is too painful to even mention, could be a concern. The president's term has not passed much, so such turmoil should be avoided."

He especially appealed, "If you are a presidential candidate, it is natural that your personal interests will come into play in the next nomination," and "We must elect a leader who can lead party stability without selfishness or presidential ambitions."

After the debate, Kim told reporters about the cut-off announced the previous day, where the pro-Lee Jun-seok faction made advances, "Classifying into pro-Yoon and non-Yoon (anti-Yoon Seok-yeol) is not desirable," and "Our party is a healthy party with various voices reflected, making it very vibrant. The final results will reveal the members' voting intentions."