Continuous Checks Targeting Lee Nak-yeon... Can He Solidify His Momentum?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, a contender for the leadership of the Democratic Party, announced that he would give up on the next presidential bid and focus solely on the party leadership challenge, leading to observations that the internal scrutiny of Lee Nak-yeon, the Democratic Party's COVID-19 National Crisis Management Committee Chair, has effectively begun in earnest. As opposition against Lee intensifies, forecasts suggest increased volatility in both the party leadership and, ultimately, the presidential race.

According to political circles on the 10th, Kim reportedly told fellow leadership contender Woo Won-shik during a meeting the previous day, "If I become party leader, I will not run for president and will serve my full term." This statement from Kim was reportedly in response to Woo's remark expressing regret that "the party is overheating due to the presidential prelude, which undermines party stability, yet you still intend to run."

This move is interpreted as an effort to dispel concerns about the 'seven-month party leader' under the recent separation rule between party leadership and presidential bids, while simultaneously pressuring Lee, his main rival. Following lawmaker Hong Young-pyo, Kim has joined in checking Lee, putting Lee's plan to "seize party leadership and then pursue the presidency" to the test.

Within the party, the prevailing analysis is that the repeated checks by leadership contenders target Lee's presidential ambitions rather than his party leadership. A party official said, "There are countless voices within the party saying presidential candidates should not run for party leadership, but hardly anyone is urging Lee to go straight for the presidency," adding, "This is likely because each faction has its own preferred presidential candidate."

In fact, Lee's biggest weakness within the party has been considered his weak support base. With the pro-Moon Jae-in faction dominating the party, there have been frequent predictions that Lee would ultimately be sidelined by factions, making a presidential bid difficult. Lee's active efforts to expand his faction through so-called 'meal politics' are closely related to these forecasts.

However, there is a clear limit to building a base that surpasses the pro-Moon faction before the presidential election. Ultimately, what Lee most needs to reach the presidency is overwhelming support from party members that transcends factional lines. Although various polls have somewhat confirmed the 'Lee Nak-yeon momentum,' it has been difficult to verify the support of party members who determine the outcome of the presidential primary. In this regard, the upcoming party convention is almost the only opportunity to confirm Lee's support within the party. To solidify his 'momentum' despite challenges from other candidates, Lee must pass through this crucial gateway.

Lee's close aide, lawmaker Lee Gae-ho, said in an interview with KBS Radio's "Kim Kyung-rae's Strong Current Affairs" on the same day, "At some point, it will become apparent, but it is clear that many people are with Lee Nak-yeon," adding, "Furthermore, I believe his potential for expansion will be much greater going forward." He continued, "Given the various stories about which faction supports whom, some alliances and coalitions seem inevitable," but added, "However, I interpret these developments positively, believing they will not significantly affect the overall momentum."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.