'Opposition Dark Horse' Kim Dong-yeon Meets Kim Jong-in... Presidential Bid from the Third Zone?

Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] It has been revealed that former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon, who is mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, met with former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in.

On the 16th, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim and former Chairman Kim held a private breakfast meeting at a restaurant in downtown Seoul. At the meeting, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim stated, "More important than regime recreation or regime change is the replacement of political forces and the replacement of decision-making forces in our society," suggesting the possibility of challenging the presidency from a third zone.

In response, former Chairman Kim said, "Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim properly recognizes the reality facing the Republic of Korea," adding, "He has put a lot of effort into understanding the reality of our country," and "It seems he is contemplating how to approach the upcoming presidential election on his own."

Former Chairman Kim also mentioned, "It is necessary to closely watch his movements," and noted that he advised, "Since demands for an economic president might increase around three years after former Deputy Prime Minister Kim's retirement, he should prepare thoroughly." He also expressed hope, saying, "(If the book) is published, public perception of former Deputy Prime Minister Kim might change." This is interpreted as a reference to the book titled Breaking Taboos in the Republic of Korea, which former Deputy Prime Minister Kim is set to publish on the 19th, containing his policy ideas.

Meanwhile, People Power Party’s primary preparation committee chairman Seo Byung-soo stated, "We plan to select the primary candidates before Chuseok in September." He further explained, "The first cut-off will narrow the field to eight candidates, and the second to four."

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