Kim Gi-hyeon Emphasizes 'Self-Reliance Theory'... Attention Focused on the Direction of 'Opposition Unity'

On the 30th, at the National Assembly Library Auditorium in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim Ki-hyun, who was elected as the new floor leader at the party members' meeting for the election of the People Power Party floor leader, is greeting. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] On the 30th, with the election of Kim Ki-hyun as the new floor leader of the People Power Party, attention is focused on the future direction regarding opposition party unification and the recruitment of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol. He has emphasized the 'self-strengthening theory.' Also, with the election of a floor leader from Yeongnam, it seems likely that the new party leader will attract votes from the 'non-Yeongnam' side.

In the final candidate debate before the vote, Floor Leader Kim said, "I think we must first strengthen ourselves," emphasizing, "We must have the will that we can do it ourselves and the sense of ownership that we will definitely break through."

Regarding the need for policy consideration for potential candidates within the party ahead of next year's presidential election, he said, "Our party's candidates are decent people. I regret the self-deprecating remarks that there are no candidates within the party because sufficient consideration has not been given," adding, "If we nurture them well, we can win. We must strive to enhance the undervalued marketability of our party's candidates."

There is a difference in attitude compared to Representative Kwon Seong-dong, who actively supports opposition unification and said, "If I become part of the leadership, I plan to use various methods to contact former Prosecutor General Yoon."

The uncertainty over the merger with the People’s Party has also increased. Former floor leader Joo Ho-young has been pushing for a 'party-to-party' merger with Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, but Floor Leader Kim takes a cautious stance. Kim said, "The timing and procedures are important, and a merger just for the sake of merging is not acceptable," adding, "I think rushing too much could cause problems."

Kim’s origin from Yeongnam has complicated the party leader election dynamics. To overcome the Yeongnam party controversy, voices calling for a party leader from the Seoul metropolitan area are expected to grow stronger. This has become a negative factor for former floor leader Joo Ho-young, who was considered a strong candidate for party leader. Among the People Power Party’s party leader candidates, those from the Seoul metropolitan area include Representatives Kwon Young-se, Kim Woong, and former Representative Na Kyung-won.

Among the 101 People Power Party lawmakers, 56 first-term lawmakers have identified 'breaking away from the Yeongnam party' as their top priority for regaining power after the April 7 by-elections.

In the first round of the People Power Party floor leader election, out of 101 votes cast, Floor Leader Kim received 34 votes. Following him were Representative Kim Tae-heum with 30 votes, Representative Kwon Seong-dong with 20 votes, and Representative Yoo Ui-dong with 17 votes. Since no candidate secured a majority, the top two candidates proceeded to a second runoff vote, where Floor Leader Kim received 66 votes out of 100 attending lawmakers.

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