'Third Zone' Kim Dong-yeon: "No Plans to Meet Ahn Cheol-soo... Will Move Forward to Replace Political Forces"

Announcing Full-Scale Political Activities After Visiting Hometown During Abstinence Period

Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon, who is mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, is answering reporters' questions after finishing a farewell lecture at Korea National Open University in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon stated that he has "no plans to meet" Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, who is also considered a 'third zone' presidential candidate.

After delivering a farewell lecture at Korea National Open University on the 18th, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim told reporters, "What I pursue goes beyond regime change or re-creation; it is about replacing the political forces and changing the entire framework."

He added, "Moving according to the advantages or disadvantages of power or political engineering does not align with my purpose," and said, "I will steadily follow the path I believe in to replace the political forces."

Earlier, on the 16th, Ahn, who announced his intention to halt the merger with the People Power Party, left open the possibility of alliance with former Deputy Prime Minister Kim and others, saying, "If someone thinks about the future of the country and wants to create a better Republic of Korea, I am ready to meet and discuss with anyone."

Furthermore, Kwon Eun-hee, floor leader of the People’s Party, suggested the possibility of an alliance on MBC Radio’s 'Kim Jong-bae’s Focus,' stating, "Since Ahn declared his independent course, we plan to actively communicate with former Deputy Prime Minister Kim this week."

While Ahn’s side is sending a 'love call' to former Deputy Prime Minister Kim, Kim announced his resignation from positions such as chairman of a corporation, signaling the start of his full-fledged political activities.

Regarding his future plans, Kim said, "This Friday (the 20th), I will visit Eumseong and Jincheon in Chungbuk," adding, "I will go to my hometown to reaffirm my original intention and quickly present concrete plans for the future."

On the possibility of founding a new party, he responded, "Structural problems in the Republic of Korea have not been resolved for over 20 years," and said, "I am devising ways to solve these problems and am deeply considering all possible methods without excluding any."

Regarding former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in’s evaluation that he "missed the moment of the star," Kim said, "Fate is not given but made by oneself," and added, "Please watch how I create it from now on."

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