"Poll Leader Says 'I Am Number One'" "Quit Presidential Bid" ... Fierce Exchanges in the Democratic Party Leadership Race

The Democratic Party and Jeong Jin-seok's Emergency Committee Move Toward Stabilization Amidst Tense Rivalry Among Party Leadership Candidates
Kim Ki-hyun and Ahn Cheol-soo Launch Counterattacks, While Non-Assembly Members Na Kyung-won and Yoo Seung-min Also Issue Warnings

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Yunjin Kim] Tensions have flared among the People Power Party's leadership contenders around the Hangul Day holiday. As the party stabilizes under the 'two-top' leadership of Jeong Jin-seok and Joo Ho-young, preparations for the next party convention are accelerating.

Ahn Cheol-soo, People Power Party member (left), Kim Ki-hyun, People Power Party member (right).

On the 10th, Representative Kim Ki-hyun posted on his Facebook, "Those who wish to become the next party leader should not use the 2024 general election as a stepping stone for a presidential bid." This statement was interpreted as targeting Representative Ahn Cheol-soo and former Representative Yoo Seung-min, who are both leadership contenders and mentioned as potential presidential candidates. Kim emphasized his commitment by saying, "My final political goal is solely to be a catalyst for victory in the general election," expressing his determination to lead the party to success as its leader.

Kim, a four-term lawmaker and former floor leader, declared his candidacy for party leadership early and appeals to his party experience as evidence of his suitability. Particularly, his rivalry with Ahn Cheol-soo, who started a study group for lawmakers around the same time after the presidential election, has become increasingly intense. On the 7th, Kim appeared on CBS Radio and referenced Ahn's tenure as leader of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, the predecessor of the Democratic Party, stating, "He will need to win hearts within the party," a pointed remark.

Ahn responded to Kim's attack by saying, "Those with deep roots in the party have many people they need to nominate if elected party leader." In an interview with MBN on the 9th, Ahn said, "Some say my roots in the party are weak, but I don't have such (nomination) burdens," highlighting his advantage of representing a metropolitan area constituency with a moderate conservative stance. Kim retorted by saying, "I also expect a declaration of non-candidacy for the presidential election," continuing the tension over whether party leader candidates will run for president.

Meanwhile, on the 11th, the day after the holiday, Ahn posted on his Facebook, "The party convention should not be a foregone conclusion but a competitive and exciting event," expressing hope that former Representatives Yoo Seung-min and Na Kyung-won would run, presenting a different stance from Kim. Yoo and Na, who have recently performed well in suitability polls for the next ruling party leader as non-incumbents, have yet to officially announce their candidacies.

Former People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won (left), former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min (right).

Former Representative Yoo has been posting critical remarks targeting the president and government on social media daily, raising speculation that he may emerge as the leading figure of the non-Yoon Seok-yeol faction. On the 9th, he shared on his Facebook an analysis of a poll showing his rising support among respondents residing in the TK region and conservative-leaning respondents, which was interpreted as a de facto declaration of candidacy for the party convention. Yoo's high poll ratings have been criticized as 'reverse voting' by Democratic Party supporters, but he has responded by showcasing his conservative support base.

Former Representative Na, on the 10th, posted, "One thing we must not forget is that whether pro-Yoon, anti-Yoon, or non-Yoon, if President Yoon fails, the normalization of South Korea is out of reach. Let's not self-harm," directly criticizing Yoo's critical stance toward the president. She also wrote, "In the same poll, I have been number one among People Power Party supporters for seven consecutive weeks; I won't mention who else claims that," demonstrating her solid conservative support. However, Na has avoided commenting on her candidacy, saying, "I have not yet deeply considered it."

Additionally, five-term Representative Cho Kyung-tae and four-term Representative Yoon Sang-hyun are expanding their support bases with an eye on running for party leadership. The next party leader is expected to face fierce competition, as the position symbolizes a partner in governance during the early Yoon Seok-yeol administration and holds the nomination rights for the 2024 general election. Although most candidates have not yet declared their candidacies, analyses suggest that the number of potential candidates mentioned unofficially reaches double digits. The People Power Party convention is expected to be held around February next year.

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