Presidential Candidates Lee Nak-yeon and Kim Jong-in Say "There Is a Possibility" of Running for President

tbs Radio Interview "Any Possibility Exists"... Analysis of Political Veteran's Strategic Moves, Complex Opposition Sentiments on 'Kim Jong-in's Presidential Candidacy'

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "I have heard such stories in passing." On the 1st, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, attracted attention by stating in an interview with tbs radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' that the so-called 'Kim Jong-in Daemangron' (Kim Jong-in's presidential ambition theory) "has possibilities."

What is interesting is that Lee does not dismiss the Kim Jong-in Daemangron as mere political rumor. When asked about Chairman Kim's potential candidacy, he said, "There is some possibility," and "I think he could run." While emphasizing that "the choice is up to the party and the people," Lee did not rule out the possibility of a presidential run.

Chairman Kim is a figure with abundant political experience as well as proven political acumen. Not only the United Future Party but also many within the Democratic Party recognize his capabilities. Lee's acceptance of Chairman Kim's potential presidential candidacy is closely related to this recognition of his political experience and ability. However, there is also a perspective that the wording of political veterans should be interpreted with attention to the 'implications' rather than taken at face value.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although it may seem like a compliment to the opponent, it could also be a highly strategic political check. From the perspective of other presidential candidates in the United Future Party, the Kim Jong-in Daemangron is a source of discomfort. If public attention shifts to another figure, it could burden their own political expansion. The issue of a presidential run emerging as a topic is not necessarily welcome even from Chairman Kim's standpoint.

The United Future Party is continuing reform efforts, including changing the party name under Chairman Kim's leadership. If these reform moves are perceived as being tainted by political self-interest, the momentum for reform could be shaken. This is why the United Future Party cannot help but view the ruling party-originated Kim Jong-in Daemangron with caution.

The possibility of Kim Jong-in, emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, running in the 2022 presidential election is a matter of political interest. Although he has not expressed his intention to run, attention is being paid to the keyword 'Remember 2017' within and outside the political circle.

On April 5, 2017, Chairman Kim held a press conference at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business in Yeouido, Seoul, declaring, "I will overcome the crisis with a unified government." Born in 1940, Chairman Kim was signaling his intention to run for president in his late 70s.

Although he withdrew from the race a week after his presidential candidacy announcement and stepped down from the election race, his actions have remained a subject of interest. For reference, the U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden was born in 1942 and is 77 years old this year.

Opinions differ regarding the choice in 2022. The general analysis is that he will focus on the role of 'kingmaker,' but there is also speculation that he could play as a 'player' depending on the situation. The opposition's 'lack of candidates' theory could be a driving force for 'Kim Jong-in's entry.'

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