Kim Ki-hyun Not Running in General Election? ...Told Close Aides "Achieved All the Glory of Being a Member of the National Assembly"

Yoo Sang-beom "Kim Ki-hyun, Experience as Party Leader and Ulsan Mayor"
"I Think It Will Be Considered from the Perspective of National Development"

Kim Gi-hyeon, the leader of the People Power Party, reportedly told close aides that "he has achieved all the great honors possible as a member of the National Assembly" regarding his future political path.

On the 7th, Rep. Yoo Sang-beom of the People Power Party stated in an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that when asked, "Is it right for Leader Kim to give up running in his constituency of Ulsan in next year's general election?" he replied, "I understand he is considering various options."

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, and Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader, are performing the national ceremony at the party members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 6th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Rep. Yoo said, "Leader Kim himself mentioned this during past conversations with us," adding, "He has experienced being party leader, floor leader, and also served as mayor of Ulsan. Given these experiences, I believe he will now consider things from the perspective of party and national development."

Earlier, In Yo-han's Innovation Committee of the People Power Party announced the 'Second Innovation Plan,' demanding that Kim Gi-hyeon's leadership, senior members, and pro-Yoon faction either not run in the upcoming general election or run in difficult constituencies. Following the party's defeat in the Seoul Gangseo-gu district mayoral by-election last month, responsibility was raised against Kim's leadership, and he faced resignation pressure from the anti-Lee faction. However, only Rep. Lee Cheol-gyu, who was then secretary-general, and appointed party officials resigned, while elected leaders including Kim maintained their positions, drawing criticism as a 'half-hearted reform.'

Regarding the Innovation Committee's demands for non-candidacy or running in difficult districts, Kim and the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol) faction have yet to clarify their stance. Kim said on the 3rd, right after the Innovation Committee's recommendation, "If the Innovation Committee presents a comprehensive proposal, we will thoroughly review it through formal discussion bodies and procedures."

Rep. Yoo drew a clear line on the Democratic Party's demand for Kim to run in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, calling it "quite unexpected." Recently, after the People Power Party announced it would push for Gimpo's incorporation into Seoul as party policy, the Democratic Party publicly demanded Kim run in Gimpo.

Regarding this, Rep. Yoo criticized, "The situation where the local National Assembly member must state a position on Gimpo's incorporation into Mega Seoul is completely irrelevant, so suddenly suggesting Leader Kim run in Gimpo has no connection at all."

However, Rep. Yoo added, "Ultimately, someone may decide on the Gimpo (Seoul incorporation) card, but since the party leader must always consider the aspect of leading the general election, it could be considered as one option among many."