Kim Hak-yong "Capital Region Floor Leader, Symbolism of a National Party"

Kim Hak-yong, a four-term lawmaker from the Seoul metropolitan area running for the floor leader of the People Power Party, appealed for support, saying, "If the floor leader comes from the metropolitan area, it definitely symbolizes a nationwide party."

Kim Hak-yong, a member of the People Power Party elected in the recent by-election in Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province, is delivering a greeting at the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 5th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the 3rd, Kim said on KBS's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' "Right now, the party is somewhat biased toward a specific region, and there are public concerns about that. I believe having a floor leader from the metropolitan area will help dispel those concerns."

Meanwhile, Yoon Jae-ok, who is also competing for the floor leader position, is from Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK), the party's stronghold. In contrast, Kim is one of the few senior lawmakers from the metropolitan area within the party. However, some point out that even if the party leader represents the metropolitan area, it does not necessarily translate into a landslide victory in the general election.

Kim said, "But it's not about whether it's the metropolitan area or TK; the person's ability is the most important factor," adding, "It's realistically difficult to express objectively whether more or fewer candidates come from a particular region. It's case by case."

Yoon Sang-hyun, a four-term lawmaker from the metropolitan area, was also expected to run for floor leader but has not yet announced his intention. Kim said, "Since he hasn't declared yet, it's reasonable to assume he won't run."

Regarding the party and presidential approval ratings, he said, "Conservatives must change," adding, "A warm conservatism that embraces the vulnerable, and a proud conservatism before history, which President Yoon Seok-yeol emphasizes the most. When we steadily practice these, I believe the public's support will increase."

He pointed to the 2030 generation as the casting vote for next year's general election, saying, "If we create many policies that can realistically give hope to future generations and steadily push forward the three major reforms to provide hope to the future generations, the 2030 generation might choose our People Power Party."