Kim Woong Officially Announces Party Leadership Bid in Front of First-Term 'Dongryo' Colleagues

Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party, is conducting an unlimited debate (filibuster) on the amendment to the National Intelligence Service Act at the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party, has expressed his intention to run for party leader. This is the first official declaration of candidacy following discussions about a 'first-term representative theory' within and outside the party.

On the 14th, Kim, a first-term lawmaker representing a Seoul district, shared this position at the 'People Power Party First-Term Lawmakers General Meeting' held at the National Assembly, according to attendees.

Encouraging remarks from other lawmakers were also reported. In a phone call, Kim explained, "I have not officially declared my candidacy; I only expressed my intention to fellow lawmakers." Amid growing calls for first-term members to challenge party leadership to reform the conservative party, he was essentially seeking support from his 'colleagues.'

After the meeting, Yoon Chang-hyun, an operating committee member of the first-term group, stated, "We ourselves welcome it when a first-term lawmaker says they will run to show a healthy image of the party."

During the meeting, first-term lawmakers resolved not to give unilateral support to any first-term candidate running for party leadership nor to form separate factional groups to support them. Yoon emphasized, "It was agreed that we do not support a factional perspective that backs first-term members just because they are first-term."

Regarding Acting Representative Joo, who is contemplating running in the upcoming party leadership election, a prompt decision was urged. Yoon conveyed, "There were remarks that it would be good to settle things quickly and naturally."

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