Kim Jong-in "Yoon Seok-yeol Likely to Make Decision Around Mid-Month... Party Holds Little Significance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Kim Jong-in, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, predicted that Yoon Seok-yeol, former Prosecutor General and a leading presidential candidate in the opposition, will express his intention around mid-May.

Kim appeared on KBS today (the 2nd) and said, "He will probably need time to organize (the opinions around him), and if he becomes confident, he might express his intention around mid-May." He added, "Since nothing concrete has come out yet, I cannot say anything definitively," but also stated, "If he seizes the moment, he must properly prepare how to develop it well."

Regarding Yoon's presidential bid, Kim predicted, "If he thinks that Korean politics needs fundamental change, he will probably make a unique choice." He also added, "If he chooses the 'easy way' that ordinary politicians pursue, he might choose a certain party." The former 'unique choice' is interpreted as building an independent force, while the latter 'easy choice' refers to joining the People Power Party.

Kim also emphasized, "Unlike the National Assembly elections, the presidential election is more about the individual's power than the party," and said, "Since the people in the presidential campaign team lead the election, if the public perceives that this person must become our country's president, there is no need to give much significance to the party."

However, Kim noted, "Just because (Yoon's) current approval rating is high does not guarantee that it will be maintained." He also pointed out, "We need to watch how thoroughly he can prepare for the presidency in a short period going forward."

Furthermore, Kim evaluated Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung as "a person with many talents and good at transformation." Regarding the next leadership structure of the People Power Party, he said, "I think the role of first-term lawmakers has been quite significant," and mentioned, "If a first-term lawmaker becomes the party leader of the People Power Party, it could show fundamental change to the public."

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