Kim Jong-in: "Next presidential candidate will emerge around November... Someone capable of supporting the people"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, predicted that the opposition's next presidential candidate will "make an appearance around November this year." He set conditions for presidential candidates such as being born after 1970, having the ability to support the people, and being knowledgeable about the economy. Regarding the 'Kim Jong-in great expectation theory,' he dismissed it by saying, "I cannot act irresponsibly."

On the morning of the 2nd, Chairman Kim had lunch with reporters at a location in Yeouido and said, "It would be normal in terms of timing for someone to come forward and express themselves around November and start the presidential race."

Earlier, in an interview with Yonhap News, Chairman Kim mentioned about the next presidential candidate, "I know there are people outside the party who are stirring," and said he had even advised those who might have such possibilities before they joined the party. Related reports also emerged that Chairman Kim had approached two people outside the party about running for the presidency.

Regarding this, Chairman Kim said, "I only said there are people stirring outside, but I never said there were two," and indicated the time when these individuals are likely to appear before the public. He said, "The presidential election is on March 9, 2022, and the person who will be president should show themselves at least one year and six months before (the presidential term starts). The ruling party is scared, so no one raises their hand, but the opposition has no one to be afraid of. To make an appearance, you need to come out with that amount of time."

The people Chairman Kim described as "stirring" seem to be figures who have not officially declared their intention to run for the presidency. He added, "That way, the people can have dreams. Those people will appear in November." However, regarding whether the presidential candidate holds a public office, he dismissed the idea, saying, "Would someone holding public office dream of the presidency? If they do, it’s disloyal."

Regarding the 'generation of 40s theory,' he explained, "I never said it has to be someone in their 40s. I said it should be someone born after 1970, but I didn’t specifically say 40s."

About Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who is currently leading in opposition presidential candidate support, he said, "Thanks to Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, his support seems to be rising. Koreans tend to sympathize with those who are persecuted. That could really make (Yoon) a presidential candidate."

There were speculations within the ruling party that Chairman Kim himself might run as a presidential candidate. In response, Chairman Kim said, "If I were in my 60s, I might think about that, but I am over 70 and don’t know when my health might deteriorate. I cannot act irresponsibly."

He cited the qualification criteria for opposition presidential candidates as the "ability to solve livelihood issues." Chairman Kim explained, "They must be able to solve imminent problems well, especially matters related to the people's lives and the ability to support the people. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the economy will become more difficult next year, and naturally, people will think, 'Who will solve this problem?'"

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