Kim Ki-hyun "Prosecutor Nomination? Absolutely Not"... Ruling Party District Chairperson Proclaims "Victory in the General Election" (Comprehensive)

First Workshop After Renaming Party to People Power Party
Some Party Committee Chairs Do Not Hesitate to Speak Frankly

On the 2nd, the chairpersons of the People Power Party's nationwide party member councils gathered in one place to pledge a "sure victory in the general election." Party leader Kim Gi-hyeon emphasized "systematic nomination" and dismissed rumors of "prosecutor nominations" circulating in some quarters. Some party council chairpersons did not hesitate to point out the party's shortcomings with candid criticism.

The "National Party Council Chairpersons Workshop" held that day at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, was attended by about 200 people, including Party Leader Kim, Floor Leader Yoon Jae-ok, Secretary-General Lee Cheol-gyu, Policy Committee Chair Park Dae-chul, Senior Deputy Floor Leader Lee Yang-su, Supreme Council members, and party council chairpersons.

The workshop was organized to share the achievements of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's first year and the future direction of state affairs, and to strengthen the resolve for victory in the 22nd general election.

A banner reading "Greater Change! And a Strong Leap Forward!" was displayed at the entrance of the building where the event took place. Party council chairpersons exchanged greetings, saying, "It's been a while." This workshop was the first to be held since the party changed its name to the People Power Party.

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader, and other attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the National Party Committee Chairpersons Workshop held on the 2nd at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Kim Gi-hyeon Actively Denies 'Prosecutor Nomination' Rumors... Emphasizes Systematic Nomination

Party Leader Kim emphasized systematic nomination throughout the day. In his opening remarks, he stated, "We will establish and uphold a systematic nomination process so that capable and competent individuals can be nominated in next year's general election."

He continued, "Many people say prosecutors will be nominated, but that is absolutely not true," adding, "I can say with certainty that there is no such possibility."

Kim also explained, "I will fulfill my role and responsibility as party leader to ensure that competitive candidates receive our party's nomination through a transparent systematic nomination process and lead a decisive victory in the general election. Regardless of any distractions or criticisms from others, candidates should focus on increasing contact with the public and local residents, diligently communicate the values of our party, and have their abilities verified."

After the workshop, Kim told reporters, "I believe the party leader's duty is to carefully consider all opinions, conduct the process transparently through the system, and then make a conclusion."

Kim's remarks are interpreted as an effort to dispel so-called "prosecutor nomination" rumors circulating in political circles. There are rumors that many former prosecutors will receive nominations in next year's general election, leading to a replacement of incumbent party council chairpersons.

In response, Secretary-General Lee Cheol-gyu also said in his opening remarks, "We will allow sufficient time and respect regarding party audits," adding, "If party councils operate as usual without any disruption, there will be no issues during the audit." In his closing remarks, Lee emphasized again, "Party audits are conducted later in the second half of the year and are not done suddenly for other purposes. They will proceed according to party rules and regulations. We will provide checklists and key points two months in advance. There are persistent rumors and fabricated stories about nominations, but the painful mistakes of our party's past will not be repeated."

Yoon Hee-sook and Lee Gwan-seop Present Directions for the People Power Party

At the workshop, former lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook gave a special lecture on "Global Economic Changes and South Korea's Political Direction," and Lee Gwan-seop, Senior Secretary for National Planning at the Presidential Office, spoke on "Achievements and Challenges of the Yoon Suk-yeol Government's First Year."

Former lawmaker Yoon argued, "In next year's general election, how the public perceives us is far more important than the nomination rules." Displaying photos of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung on the screen, Yoon explained, "These are the 'noble figures' of our party these days. Thanks to them, the People Power Party is perceived as the 'less backward force.'"

He continued, "The Democratic Party claimed to be a party for the working class and middle class but has shown moral and competency failures. So when people ask whether the People Power Party has a discourse about the future and what kind of political force it is, they feel there is no difference at all. The narrative of conservative political forces is currently broken."

Senior Secretary Lee showed a commitment to reforms in three major areas (education, labor, and pensions) and to stabilizing people's livelihoods. He said, "The direction of state affairs in the second year will be, as President Yoon Suk-yeol said, policies that focus solely on the people and do not waver for any other interests," adding, "We will strive for livelihood stabilization, strengthening welfare for the vulnerable, and restoring the middle class." He also said, "The three major reforms will be a year of boldly tackling difficult tasks, even if it means losing votes for the future."

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, is greeting at the National Party Committee Chairpersons Workshop held on the 2nd at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Unhesitant Candid Criticism Directed at the Party

Some party council chairpersons pointed out the party's shortcomings. Kim Jong-hyeok, party council chairperson for Goyang-byeong, Gyeonggi Province, said, "There are quite a few vacant party councils without chairpersons, and in those areas, even though the Democratic Party puts up countless banners, we are unable to respond at all," adding, "It would be good if the city/provincial party or the party could grant authority to nearby party councils or come up with countermeasures."

Song Yoon-won, party council chairperson for Bucheon-jeong, Gyeonggi Province, said, "Recently, two Supreme Council members made verbal slips, causing considerable trouble in the region," and added, "Since public opinion rises and falls quickly, I hope the central party leadership pays special attention to policies and remarks." He also said, "There seem to be discordances with conservative organizations and cases where the party is portrayed negatively in the media," and requested, "Please pay special attention to the relationship with conservative organizations."

Lee Geun-yeol, party council chairperson for Gunsan, Jeonbuk Province, suggested, "To win next year's general election and extend the administration afterward, we need to do and show something for the livelihoods of the working class, who have the most votes. I believe the methods used so far are insufficient," and proposed, "I hope for a different approach."