Kim Dong-yeon Reaches Out to Kim Jong-in Ahead of Party Formation

Kim-Kim Encouraged but Only Simple Advice Given
"Yoon Seok-yeol Currently Leading, No Upset Expected"

Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon, who declared his presidential candidacy, and former Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party Kim Jong-in are shaking hands before having a breakfast meeting at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 12th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon, who is preparing to launch a new party, sought help from former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in, known as a 'kingmaker.' Although Kim Jong-in had previously criticized Kim Dong-yeon harshly, he conveyed a message of encouragement during their meeting but drew the line by saying it was merely advice.

On the morning of the 12th, Kim Dong-yeon held a breakfast meeting with Kim Jong-in for an hour at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, and told reporters afterward, "He gave me words of encouragement, saying that given the possibility of a new political force not confined to the two major camps and the future developments, he hopes that I can gather a new force and do well."

Kim Jong-in also told reporters, "I advised him to try with the idea of enlightening the public by specifically addressing the various problems our country is facing." Kim Dong-yeon plans to launch a party preparation committee within this month, and it is known that Kim Jong-in will attend the launch ceremony.

Kim Jong-in highly evaluated the chances of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, a candidate in the People Power Party primary, winning the nomination. He said, "At present, I judge that former Prosecutor General Yoon is leading," and added, "Judging by the tendencies of the first and second cutoffs, there will be no major surprises." However, regarding his future stance or endorsement, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "I cannot decide until I have confidence myself."

Meanwhile, it was reported that sharp criticisms were exchanged regarding the ruling and opposition candidates, including Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate (current Governor of Gyeonggi Province), who is involved in the 'Daejang-dong scandal,' during the meeting. Kim Dong-yeon explained, "Kim Jong-in emphasized morality as a requirement for a presidential candidate," and said, "For example, there are concerns about whether the public can accept someone as a leader who causes real estate problems while claiming to solve them."

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