Kim Jaewon: "Kim Moonsoo's Defeat Due to 'Han Donghoon Nomination' Remark... Will Follow Party Leader's Decision on Yoon Meeting"

"Should Not Have Mentioned Han Donghoon Directly," Analysis of the Defeat
"People Power Party, No Possibility of a Split," Dismissing the Controversy

Kim Jaewon, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, who previously served as chief of staff for then-presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo during the last presidential election, identified Kim Moonsoo's defeat in the party leadership race as being due to "his statement that he would nominate former leader Han Donghoon." Appearing on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyunjung's News Show" on August 27, Kim said, "I told candidate Kim more than ten times that directly mentioning former leader Han would provoke backlash from party members and asked him to refrain, but my advice was not well received."

Kim Jaewon, the newly appointed Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He continued, "I felt that party members participating in this convention were in an agitated state. That is why I thought it would not be wise to provoke those emotions," explaining the reasoning behind his advice. He went on to emphasize, "If one-sided claims run rampant within the party, it not only undermines party unity but also prevents the formation of a unified conservative front. In such a case, it is necessary to establish discipline."

Regarding the possibility of a split with the so-called "pro-impeachment faction," which some have raised, he said, "I am confident it will not go that far." He added, "That is precisely why we need to establish discipline within the party, and it is important to clearly declare a strong will to do so." When asked about newly appointed party leader Jang Donghyuk's statement during the election that he would visit former president Yoon Sukyeol, Kim commented, "I have not thought about that issue yet," but added, "I believe keeping a prior promise is a perfectly reasonable judgment and decision."

However, Kim added, "While I am reserving my personal decision, if the party leader decides to visit former president Yoon, I will naturally follow." Regarding the possibility of YouTuber Jeon Hangil being appointed as a Supreme Council Member, he said, "I think leader Jang will give it careful consideration," and dismissed the speculation by saying, "Such rumors are not based on any realistic grounds, but are simply the claims of gossipers."