Han Donghoon Supported by Pro-Han Faction, Na Kyungwon Shows Her Strength
Most Lawmakers Remain Cautious, Waiting to See
Debates to Begin in Earnest... Competitiveness and Approval Ratings to Be Determined
As the first round of the People Power Party's presidential primary intensifies, some incumbent lawmakers are joining candidate camps. With no clear 'front-runner' candidate, most lawmakers are watching the unfolding situation cautiously. Analysts suggest that once candidates' competitiveness and approval ratings begin to be determined through debates and other events, the support from hesitant party lawmakers may consolidate toward one side.
People Power Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kwon Young-se (center) and Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong are taking a commemorative photo with Assemblyman Yoon Jae-ok, who serves as the chairman, and committee members at the appointment ceremony of the 21st Presidential Election Preparation Committee held at the National Assembly on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News
According to political circles on the 17th, the camps of major People Power Party presidential contenders are taking shape. Among candidates with clear support from incumbent lawmakers is former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon. He is backed by pro-Han (pro-Han Dong-hoon) faction lawmakers including six-term lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae, as well as Song Seok-jun, Seo Beom-su, Kim Hyeong-dong, and Bae Hyun-jin.
Na Kyung-won, a five-term senior lawmaker of the People Power Party who previously served as the floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, also has a notable level of support from lawmakers relative to her approval ratings. Five lawmakers?Kang Seung-gyu, Kim Min-jeon, Park Sang-ung, Lee Man-hee, and Lim Jong-deuk?have joined her camp.
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo's camp, known for his 'lone wolf' image, includes lawmakers Kim Dae-sik, Kim Wi-sang, and Yoo Sang-beom. Hong claims that about 50 lawmakers, including those who have not publicly declared their support, back him.
On the other hand, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo is evaluated to have relatively few lawmakers openly supporting him despite high approval ratings within the conservative camp. Although lawmakers Park Soo-young, Eom Tae-young, Kim Seon-kyo, and In Yo-han joined his camp the day before, there were difficulties as some expected participants such as Jang Dong-hyuk and Kim Mi-ae did not join, and support events were shifted to private, contrary to the camp's initial explanation that up to 10 lawmakers would participate.
The majority of People Power Party lawmakers continue to be cautious. Not only pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction lawmakers but also those from Daegu and Gyeongbuk constituencies, where conservative support is strong, have not consolidated their support in one direction. With as many as eight candidates advancing to the first round of the primary and no overwhelmingly dominant candidate in approval ratings, they are watching the flow for now. A pro-Yoon faction lawmaker said, "Rather than rushing forward, the atmosphere is to first observe the primary situation."
The first turning point for changes in the landscape will be the debates. The People Power Party organized groups at a media day event on the same day and will hold candidate debates on the 19th and 20th. If a front-runner emerges among candidates classified as 'anti-impeachment (bantan)' faction, it is possible that many People Power Party lawmakers will support that candidate. However, if Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo's presidential bid becomes a reality, the dynamics are expected to change again.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
