Kim Ki-hyun Dismisses Rumors of Joining Lee Junseok's New Party After Pre-Resignation Meeting, Says They Discussed Party Concerns

Yoon Heeseok: "The Meeting Was to Dissuade Defection"
Kim Ki-hyun: "I Am a Loyal Party Member... No Intention to Join a New Party"

Attention is focusing on the fact that Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, met with former party leader Lee Junseok just a few hours before announcing his resignation from the party leadership.

On the afternoon of December 13, Kim announced his intention to resign as party leader on his Facebook page, stating, "With the mindset of haengyubudeok bangujogi (行有不得反求諸己, an idiom meaning that one should look for the cause of any outcome within oneself), I intend to take full responsibility." He added, "The party must not be divided any further over my position. As a party member, I want to contribute to the stability of our party and victory in the general election."

Prior to Kim's resignation announcement, the fact of his private meeting with Lee was revealed through Lee's own comments. On the YouTube channel 'Spex' that day, Lee said, "We met to talk about my future, but ended up discussing Kim's position much more," thus disclosing the meeting. The meeting reportedly took place around 11 a.m. and lasted about an hour.

The meeting between the two has sparked various speculations. Given that Kim was under intense pressure within the party to make a decisive move and was in deep deliberation, some have speculated that the meeting was to discuss joining Lee's new party initiative.

On May 6, 2022, Lee Junseok, the leader of the People Power Party, and Kim Kihyun, the co-chairman of the June 1 local election joint campaign committee, attended the 8th National Simultaneous Local Election Central Campaign Committee Launch Ceremony and Metropolitan Mayor Nomination Certificate Award Ceremony held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In response, Yoon Heeseok, senior spokesperson for the People Power Party, dismissed such speculation, stating that the meeting appeared to be aimed at dissuading Lee from leaving the party. On December 14, during an appearance on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' Yoon said, "As party leader, Kim Ki-hyun was in a period of seclusion and had to make a decision about either resigning or stepping down. But before making that decision, regardless of whether he would resign, I understand that he had also planned to meet with former leader Lee Junseok and lawmaker Kim Woong."

He continued, "The meeting with Kim Woong did not materialize, but there were reports that he met with independent lawmaker Lee Sangmin. For example, he met with those at risk of leaving the party to persuade them not to, and also reached out to those who might return to the party. I think he wanted to establish such political justifications before resigning."

Kim himself also drew a clear line regarding the idea of joining Lee's new party. On December 13, Kim wrote on Facebook, "I met with former leader Lee Junseok to relay various concerns within the party regarding the formation of a new party. I have consistently conveyed my position to Lee Junseok's side, through various channels, that rather than forming a new party, it would be better to join forces with the People Power Party for the general election. Today's meeting was part of that ongoing process."

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, arrived at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 11th to send off President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is making a state visit to the Netherlands. Photo by Yonhap News

Kim emphasized, "The rumor that I might join Lee Junseok's new party is completely unfounded. In fact, I tried to dissuade him from forming a new party today." He further stated, "I have never once left our party; I am a deeply rooted, loyal party member. Our party must not be divided, and I have absolutely no intention of joining a new party."

Lee Junseok also commented on his Facebook page, "From beginning to end, Kim Ki-hyun spoke from the perspective of wanting the best for the party," and added, "Everyone, please show some manners. There are some very ill-mannered people within the party."