"Whoever Becomes the People Power Party's Presidential Candidate, It Will Be a Tough Battle"
"I Will Not Play a Supporting Role in This Presidential Election"
Former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in criticized the speculation that there could be as many as 20 presidential candidates from the People Power Party in the 21st presidential election, saying, "If you clearly understand the background of why the early presidential election is being held, there cannot be that many candidates." He argued that since former President Yoon Seok-yeol was impeached due to the December 3 martial law, the People Power Party should exercise self-restraint.
Former People Power Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in criticized the speculation that there could be as many as 20 candidates from the People Power Party in the 21st presidential election, saying, "If you clearly understand the background of why the early presidential election is being held, there cannot be that many candidates." Photo by Heo Young-han
On the 10th, Kim appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and pointed out, "The candidates running from the People Power Party have a wrong perception of the situation," adding, "The fact that there are many candidates running means that the People Power Party does not have a clear candidate." He also shook his head at the idea circulating within the party about drafting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as a presidential candidate. Kim said, "The People Power Party may see it as a last resort, but Prime Minister Han was a direct party to this martial law," and added, "If he is a wise person, he should clearly state his position."
Regarding Kim Moon-soo, former Minister of Employment and Labor and a leading candidate among the old conservative camp, Kim Jong-in downplayed his prospects, saying, "At first, he did not even consider running, but suddenly his approval rating rose high in the polls, so he probably believed that and decided to run." He added, "Looking at the trend of the polls, Kim's support is continuously declining compared to the initial stages," and "It is a situation where even winning the primary cannot be guaranteed."
Finally, former Commissioner Kim firmly stated that he will not take on a supporting role in this presidential election. Regarding the reason, former Commissioner Kim said, "I have helped many people so far, but the results were not good," adding, "I also have a sense of responsibility for that, and I can no longer trust people." Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Kim also expressed his belief that the only person in the People Power Party who can legitimately claim to be a presidential candidate is former party leader Han. He said, "They branded Han as a traitor, but that is the responsibility of former President Yoon. I do not think Han betrayed anyone," and added, "In a way, former President Yoon should be grateful to Han. Because the martial law was lifted, Yoon's position has somewhat improved."
When asked how he expects the race to go if former leader Han passes the primary and competes against Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, Kim said, "It will inevitably be a very difficult fight," emphasizing, "You can never win by just being anti-Lee Jae-myung. You have to completely abandon the conservative stance so far and establish a new agenda to run in the presidential election." Furthermore, Kim said Lee is "in the most advantageous position," adding, "Although many people dislike Lee, I think he is the one who has prepared the most about 'what he will do if he becomes president.'" Finally, Kim dismissed the idea that he would play a supporting role in this presidential election. Regarding the reason, Kim said, "I have helped many people so far, but the results were not good," and added, "I have a sense of responsibility for that and can no longer trust people."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
