Na Kyung-won: "Non-Standing Member of Low Birthrate and Aging Committee... Not Excluded from Party Leadership"

"Need to Consider Whether to Join the Current Party Leadership Race"
"Polls Should Not Favor the Democratic Party"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won commented on her appointment as vice chairperson of the Presidential Committee on Low Fertility and Aging Society on the 17th, stating, "I understand that party affiliation or party leadership-related matters are neither excluded nor rejected." This was to dismiss interpretations that her appointment meant exclusion from the next party leadership candidate pool.

On the same day, on YTN Radio's "News King Park Ji-hoon," Na said, "(The vice chairperson position of the Low Fertility and Aging Society Committee) is a non-full-time role, so there are no particular restrictions." However, when asked if she was open to challenging for party leadership, she avoided a direct answer, saying, "I think about every day what role I can play in any position for the betterment of the Republic of Korea."

She expressed skepticism about holding an early party convention. She said, "My biggest concern is that the convention might not be a convention but rather appear like cold water," adding, "Currently, the president's approval rating is not very high, the entire country is in crisis, and the opposition party is persistently shaking the president. We need to consider whether it is good to ignite the party leadership race immediately."

She also revealed a sense of caution toward former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, considered a strong contender for party leadership. Regarding analyses that public sentiment favors Yoo over her, Na said, "Our party (People Power Party) refers to opinion polls much more than the Democratic Party does," adding, "Opinion polls should not be a case of reverse selection but a choice of the Democratic Party. I think there will be various discussions about that." About Yoo, she commented, "He seems to be working hard to become party leader. He will probably run for party leader."

Regarding her activities in the Low Fertility and Aging Society Committee, she emphasized, "President Yoon said to think of it as an executive body. He has given us the greatest support," adding, "Making it easier to have and raise children, creating an environment where people can marry quickly by obtaining jobs and stable housing, and reforms in education, labor, and pensions to prepare for an aging society are very important."

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