Kim Ki-hyun's 'Yeonpotang' Move... No Response from 'An·Hwang' to the 'One Team'

Leadership Filled Only with Pro-Chin Yoon Lawmakers
Kang Dae-sik Merely for Appearance
Presidential Office Becoming a 'Management-Type Leadership'?

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, is continuing his 'Yeonpotang' (warm and harmonious) approach by meeting one after another with his rivals from the recent party leadership election. However, Ahn Cheol-soo, who fiercely competed for party leadership, declined major party positions, and former leader Hwang Kyo-ahn raised suspicions of election fraud, revealing subtle cracks. Although Kim appointed Kang Dae-sik, a close aide of Yoo Seung-min, as a nominated Supreme Council member, criticism continues that Kim's first party appointments are overwhelmingly pro-Yoon faction.

On the 14th, Kim had lunch with former leader Hwang at a restaurant near Yeouido. Kang Min-guk, chief spokesperson, told reporters after the meal, "The atmosphere was consistently warm and friendly," adding, "They agreed to move forward as one team for victory in next year's general election."

Kang also said that allegations such as the 'Ulsan land speculation' raised by former leader Hwang during the election process were not mentioned. He explained, "The ruling party must deliver results for the people's livelihood and economy. They also shared concerns about broader social issues such as infiltration by spies from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions."

Kim Ki-hyun, the leader of the People Power Party, is entering the party leader's conference room on the 13th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, along with Lee Cheol-gyu, the new secretary-general, and other newly appointed party officials. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

However, a difference in tone was felt from former leader Hwang. He told reporters that day, "There was a discussion with the intention of creating a framework for cooperation to save the party and the country in difficult times," and "Kim gave a general outline of how he plans to lead the party going forward. I responded that I would actively support him."

At the same time, regarding his previous stance on 'opposition struggle' during the last leadership election, Hwang said, "My path has not changed." He added, "However, since a new party leader has been established, it is necessary for the party to normalize and rise centered on the party leader," and said, "(The opposition struggle) can be pursued in parallel together."

In particular, about the election fraud allegations he personally raised in this party leadership election, Hwang said, "I will provide more detailed remarks once the verification is complete."

Earlier, Kim also met with Ahn the day before and extended a hand of reconciliation by proposing that Ahn take the chairmanship of the Special Committee on Science and Technology. However, Ahn said, "I want to take some time to reflect," effectively declining. Ahn then left for the Busan region to deliver his concession greetings.

With pro-Yoon faction lawmakers dominating key party positions ahead of next year's general election, there is also much speculation about the appointment of Kang Dae-sik, a close aide of former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, as a nominated Supreme Council member. It is said that Kang's role may not be significant within the pro-Yoon-dominated party leadership. A lawmaker from the People Power Party said, "We still need to wait and see," adding, "Kang's presence could change depending on his remarks in the Supreme Council going forward."

Within the party, concerns are already emerging that Kim's leadership will become a 'managed leadership' aligned with the presidential office during the candidate selection process for next year's general election.

Regarding this, Yoo Sang-beom, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, said on MBC Radio that day, "(The party-government relationship) involves close cooperation, but when it comes to important policy or political judgments, the party will not hesitate to offer candid criticism," adding, "Secretary-General Lee Cheol-gyu is not someone who blindly follows orders but holds a reasonable stance."