Kim Dong-yeon Tours Each Party... First Visit to the Democratic Party

Visit to the Justice Party on the 4th following the Democratic Party on the 3rd
"Target of the generational change" for Ahn Cheol-soo

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Dong-yeon, who had been looking for an opportunity to consolidate forces in the third zone, will start visiting each political party from the 3rd, beginning with the Democratic Party of Korea. Although the official reason is to express gratitude to the party leaders who attended the party founding ceremonies, various interpretations arise as it comes at a time when interest in 'unification' between him and Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, has increased following Ahn’s presidential candidacy announcement.

On the morning of the day, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim visits the Democratic Party’s representative office at the National Assembly and holds a conversation with Representative Song Young-gil. He will then visit the Justice Party on the 4th. A visit to the People Power Party has not been scheduled yet but is expected to take place next week after the main primary election. Kim’s side explains that the order follows each party’s schedule, but there is speculation that his intention, which seemed uncertain about which side to align with between the ruling and opposition parties, is leaning closer to the pro-government camp.

On the other hand, the distance between him and Ahn, who was expected to possibly form an alliance as a fellow third-zone candidate, appears somewhat distant. A source from Kim’s side said in a phone call, "We contacted the People’s Party’s working-level staff, but they said, ‘If former Deputy Prime Minister Kim calls Representative Ahn directly, we will consider it,’ and we have not made further contact."

After a lecture at Seokyeong University the previous day, Kim told reporters about Ahn, "He should also realize that he is a target of generational change," adding, "Unification is not even considered, but if there is sincerity and self-sacrifice in creating a new framework, it will be pursued."

Ahn also left room for discussion in an interview with a media outlet on the same day, saying, "If the values pursued and the direction of aspirations are the same, I would meet and talk with anyone," but he also sharpened his tone by saying, "I have never heard former Deputy Prime Minister Kim speak about the merits and demerits of the Moon Jae-in administration."

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