Kim Ki-hyun Suggests Defending Electoral District
Within the Party: "General Election Negative for Yoon Administration's Success"
Former People Power Party leader Kim Ki-hyun, who stepped down from his position and has been laying low, hinted at his intention to defend his constituency in next year's general election, raising concerns within the party that this could negatively impact the election. It is believed that a former party leader acting contrary to the party's official stance, such as the 'mainstream sacrifice,' would not be beneficial for the upcoming election.
On the 21st, former Liberty Korea Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) lawmaker Kim Young-woo appeared on TV Chosun's 'Issue Analysis' and predicted, "Kim's candidacy in his constituency will not have a positive effect on the general election or the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration."
Kim Young-woo said, "Usually, a lawmaker running again in their own constituency is not a big problem. However, Kim previously suffered a major defeat in the by-election for Gangseo District Mayor and had poor results as party leader. He resigned from the leadership position citing 'putting the party first' and 'sacrifice,' but running again in his constituency could be criticized as maintaining personal vested interests."
He continued, "The process just before Kim stepped down as party leader was also suspicious, and his actions did not align with the sacrifice and dedication he spoke of for the party. He missed the timing for innovation and resignation, and after stepping down, shifting to run in his constituency has led to criticism within the party questioning whether Kim is truly dedicating himself to sacrifice, devotion, and winning the general election."
In a text message sent to party members in Nam-gu, Ulsan, the day before, former leader Kim Ki-hyun said, "I have spent a lot of time in the central party as floor leader and party leader. Now, I intend to put more focus on matters that need attention for the development of Ulsan and the future of Nam-gu, having stepped down from the busy central party duties." This was interpreted as effectively signaling his candidacy for next year's general election. Nam-gu, Ulsan is the constituency where Kim was elected four times in the 17th to 19th and 21st general elections.
Kim had previously clashed with the party's Innovation Committee, which demanded 'mainstream sacrifice and running in difficult constituencies.' After expressing his determination to defend his constituency and facing intense pressure both inside and outside the party regarding his position, he ultimately stepped down on the 13th and has since remained low-profile.
The resignation process was also criticized for being ungraceful. Kim announced his resignation intention via social media and met with former leader Lee Jun-seok, who is pushing for a new party, just before stepping down, leading to various interpretations including the possibility of running as an independent. However, since Kim mentioned 'the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration' and 'victory in the general election' in his message to party members, it is interpreted that he has no plans to run as an independent or join a new party.
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