Kim Jong-in Meets Yoon for Dinner on Day of 'Apology SNS Controversy'... Is the 'Kingmaker' Making a Comeback?

Meeting with Lee Jun-seok Scheduled for the 24th
Possibility of Early Return Also Anticipated

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] On the 22nd, former Prosecutor General and People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol had a dinner meeting near Gwanghwamun with former Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in, the same day when the controversy over the 'dog apple photo' arose. There is a growing expectation that Kim's involvement will become more visible to support Yoon, who has been on the defensive due to recent successive gaffes, and the opposition party.

A spokesperson for Yoon's campaign said in a phone call on the 23rd, "The two met without any attendants and had a meal immediately after the TV debate."

The meeting took place amid the recent controversy surrounding Yoon, following his 'defense of Jeon Du-hwan' remarks and the spread of controversy over a photo posted on his social media account showing him giving an apple to his dog.

Kim is also scheduled to meet Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, on the 24th. It is known that during this meeting, Lee plans to discuss issues related to the primary election with Kim.

As less than two weeks remain until the final presidential candidate of the People Power Party is selected, there is speculation that Kim's involvement may accelerate.

Earlier, Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Hanpanseungbu' the previous day and said, "I need to consult with (former Chairman Kim) once, but I believe that, regardless of the candidate, he will contribute to regime change in a broad sense."

On the 15th, Kim predicted on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that "the opposition has a 60-70% chance of winning next year's election," but regarding his own course of action, he said, "I will only help if I am convinced that this person will become president and contribute to the country's development and perform the presidential duties without personal interests; otherwise, I cannot help," indicating that he has not yet made a decision.

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