Jang Je-won's Withdrawal Followed by Kim Ki-hyun's Resignation?..."This Week Is the Golden Time"

Kim "Give up vested interests"... "Must specify concretely"
Kim Byung-min pressures resignation of Kim Gi-hyeon "like Jang Je-won"

Kim Ki-hyun, the leader of the People Power Party, has stated that he will relinquish the party leadership's vested interests, but he has not disclosed specific details, leading to criticism that his message is only half-hearted.

In this situation, Jang Je-won, a key figure in the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction and a member of the People Power Party, has declared that he will not run in next year's general election, intensifying pressure on Kim to make a decisive move.

On the 11th, Kim said regarding the 'mainstream sacrifice' proposed by the Innovation Committee, "I will give up all vested interests that do not meet the people's expectations." This came as a response to growing calls within the party for Kim's resignation after a report from the party secretariat revealed that the ruling party holds only six seats in Seoul's stronghold areas, and the Innovation Committee led by In Yo-han was criticized for leaving empty-handed.

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

Kim emphasized, "Furthermore, all members of our party, including myself, will relinquish all vested interests that do not meet the people's expectations and respond to the people's call to revive livelihoods and the economy with a resolve to fight to the death. We will show this not just in words but through actions."

However, criticism has arisen because he did not clarify the specific timing or details of this commitment. Former People Power Party lawmaker Lee Eon-ju pointed out on the 12th during the 'Special KBS 1 Radio Today' program, "When you say you will give up vested interests, you need to specify what exactly that means."

Lee added, "Simply stepping down is not the solution. If stepping down only means making way for those with real power, such as in Yongsan, to support their nominations in the same old way, then the expectations for innovation and public support will not come."

Especially as Jang Je-won has hinted at not running in next year's general election, the pressure on Kim to resign appears to be intensifying. Earlier, on the night of the 11th, Jang hinted at not running by posting on his Facebook, "I am going to pause for a while," and officially declared his non-candidacy on the morning of the 12th.

Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 12th to announce his decision not to run in the 22nd general election. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, Jang had opposed the Innovation Committee led by In Yo-han, which demanded that key party figures either not run or run in difficult districts, by attending an event with about 4,200 supporters on 92 buses, saying, "I will not extend my petty political career by going to Seoul," setting himself against the Innovation Committee. However, his declaration of not running is seen as opening the door to the beginning of 'senior sacrifice.'

Kim Byung-min, a Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, said on the 12th on YTN Radio's 'News King Park Ji-hoon' program, "I think the atmosphere where people are willing to sacrifice themselves and try together in difficult regions to save the party and the country has been sparked like a wildfire since last night and this morning."

Kim also referred to Jang Je-won's declaration of not running in next year's general election, saying, "I thought that Leader Kim Ki-hyun might make a similar decision," urging Kim to make a decisive move.

Kim emphasized, "This week is essentially the last golden time. It is very difficult to turn the tide all at once later if we do not address the problem of losing momentum and atmosphere from the early stages of the election."