Did the 'Kim Hwang-yeon Platform' slip away... Hwang Kyo-ahn's reason for attacking Kim Ki-hyun

Hwang Kyo-ahn, Kim Ki-hyun Directly Address 'Ulsan KTX Real Estate Suspicion'
"Confirming Political Influence... Looking Ahead to Next Year's General Election"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Hwang Kyo-ahn, a candidate running for the People Power Party leadership election, has taken on the role of so-called 'Kim Ki-hyun's attacker.' Hwang has raised suspicions regarding Kim Ki-hyun's 'Ulsan KTX station area real estate allegations' and is demanding his immediate withdrawal. Earlier, some political circles speculated about a 'Kim-Hwang alliance' (Kim Ki-hyun-Hwang Kyo-ahn alliance), but many analyses suggest that pre-runoff unification would be difficult.

Hwang previously stated, "If I don't come in first among the top four, I will support our party," expressing his willingness to unify with other candidates. Due to political inclinations, there was speculation that Hwang might ally with Kim, but currently, Hwang is fiercely attacking Kim over the real estate allegations.

Kim is suspected of benefiting from a price difference when the 2007 Ulsan KTX station area connecting road route was altered from the original plan to pass through forest land owned by Kim near the Ulsan KTX station.

Hwang Kyo-ahn, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is being interviewed on the 10th at the election situation room in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

On the 20th, during the second TV debate at 2 p.m., Hwang asked Kim, "If the explanation regarding the (Ulsan KTX price difference) allegations is false, will you withdraw your candidacy?" He strongly urged, "For the victory in the general election and the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, Kim must withdraw." He further described the allegations surrounding Kim as "a typical power-driven construction corruption issue," emphasizing, "The important question is not when the land was purchased but why the road was altered to curve through Kim's land."

In response, Kim said, "This matter was thoroughly investigated during the Democratic Party administration. If illegalities are involved, I will stake my political life. But Hwang should also declare that if the allegations against me are proven to be fake news, he will stake his political life." Kim added, "It seems you think that by stubbornly trying to tarnish me, votes will shift, but that is a misconception," and said, "Having served as Minister of Justice, party leader, and Prime Minister, you should not engage in black propaganda, negative campaigning, or ride on fake news. You are unqualified to be party leader."

Analysts suggest that Hwang's fierce attack on Kim, even mentioning candidate withdrawal, is driven by a desire to confirm his political influence. Jang Sung-chul, director of the Public Opinion Center, said on the 21st on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "By attacking Kim, Hwang aims to solidify his position and confirm his influence, so even if he does not reach the runoff and finishes fourth, he can achieve sufficient political objectives," adding, "If he gains about 15% of the vote, he can use that as a stepping stone for next year's general election nominations and even the upcoming presidential election."

Park Won-seok, former policy committee chairman of the Justice Party, also viewed that there is no reason for Hwang to unify before the runoff given the runoff voting system. Park said, "From Hwang's perspective, there is no urgency, and rather he wants to check how much presence he has," explaining, "Hwang's side has a much stronger far-right support base compared to Kim's, and since they provide money and votes, if unification happens first, that base would scatter within the party."

He continued, "If general election nominations can be promised and the presidential election can be considered, the person who can strategically take votes is Kim Ki-hyun," and said, "If Hwang can confirm his position at about 15% of the vote, he can look forward to the future."

Chun Ha-ram, a competing candidate, also expressed skepticism about the pre-runoff unification of the two candidates. On the same day on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' he said, "Unification before the runoff between the two is almost off the table," and questioned, "Even if unification happens, how many votes will it bring?"

Chun speculated, "Hwang's supporters are not just followers but believers. I think he does not intend to be easily swayed by Kim Ki-hyun's side," and added, "Also, he seems to feel that Kim personally lacks ability and is unsatisfactory in that regard."