Na Kyung-won Who Resigned, Party Leadership 'High'? ... Busy 'Vote Calculation'

Recognized Loyalty to the Party Maintained
Possibility of 'Yunsim' Candidate Winning
Need to Watch for Alliances Among Candidates

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] In the People Power Party's March 8 party convention, Na Kyung-won, Vice Chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, has emerged as the biggest variable in the race for party leader, prompting candidates to actively calculate their votes. This is because Na's candidacy could significantly impact the primary race after she reportedly expressed her intention to resign following a direct clash with the Presidential Office over low birthrate policies.

On the 10th, Na reportedly tendered her resignation as vice chair to Kim Dae-gi, Chief of Staff to the President. Although the Presidential Office dismissed the report, saying "we have heard nothing," the prevailing analysis is that Na is on the path to stepping down.

That morning, she did not attend the Low Birthrate Committee private members' meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building and instead held a private meeting with Lee Cheol-gyu, a People Power Party lawmaker and a key figure among 'Yunhakkwan' (core associates of President Yoon Seok-yeol), at a hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. The two reportedly spoke for about an hour without any attendants, and it is speculated that the meeting was to discuss Na's position as vice chair.

Earlier, on the 5th, Na proposed a low birthrate measure that would forgive loans upon childbirth during a press conference, which the Presidential Office fiercely criticized, suggesting it contradicted government policy and even hinted at her dismissal.

Na Kyung-won vs Ahn Cheol-soo vs Kim Ki-hyun: Is the Three-Way Race Solidifying?

The People Power Party's convention appears to be shaping into a three-way contest among Kim Ki-hyun, Na Kyung-won, and Ahn Cheol-soo. In various recent polls, Na leads, followed by Ahn and Kim. According to a survey conducted by Newsis, commissioned to the People Research Group and Ace Research, polling 1,002 men and women nationwide aged 18 and over from December 27 to 29 last year and released on the 1st, Na recorded 30.8% suitability among People Power Party supporters for party leader. Ahn Cheol-soo came in second with 20.3%, and Kim Ki-hyun third with 15.2%. Following them were Floor Leader Joo Ho-young at 8.1%, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min at 6.9%, former party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn at 6.0%, lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae at 2.9%, lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong at 2.0%, and lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun at 1.0%.

On the 25th, the People Power Party's first national convention was held at Nurikkum Square in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Candidate Na Kyung-won, running for party leader, is presenting her vision.

The candidate most likely to be hit hardest by Na's candidacy is Kim Ki-hyun. Kim, allied with lawmaker Jang Je-won in the so-called 'Kim-Jang Alliance,' is actively appealing to party members' support, backed by President Yoon Seok-yeol's intentions, known as 'Yunshim (Yoon's heart).' As seen at the election campaign office opening ceremony the day before, he is leveraging organizational strength to rally party sentiment.

On the other hand, Na enjoys strong support from the conservative base, grounded in her loyalty to the party since the 17th National Assembly. Although she lost to former leader Lee Jun-seok in general public opinion polls during the 2021 party convention, she won in party sentiment. The ruling camp, including the Presidential Office, is interpreted as intervening in Na's bid because her candidacy itself is perceived as threatening. A People Power Party official said, "The fact that the Presidential Office is reacting this strongly is proof of their fear."

Recently, as some incumbent lawmakers have been excluded in the party branch chair recruitment, these lawmakers are likely to support candidates other than pro-Yoon ones. Although they did not become party branch chairs, there is speculation that party members centered around them could bolster support.

However, some within the party analyze that the party leader election dynamics have changed since the 2021 convention, and even if Na runs, her chances of winning are low. People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Sang-beom said in an interview on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that "the situation is completely different from when Na Kyung-won ran two years ago," adding, "At that time, many first-term lawmakers supported Na, but now most lawmakers have already been absorbed into the pro-Yoon group and support Kim Ki-hyun." He also added, "The group of aides who advised and worked with Na two years ago are, as far as I know, distancing themselves from her."

In fact, Kim Jung-jae, a People Power Party lawmaker who served as Na's spokesperson when she was floor leader, pressured Na on YTN Radio's 'News King with Park Ji-hoon,' saying, "(Na's) temptation to run is due to momentary poll numbers, but poll numbers are like a mirage," and "Party members turn their backs quickly. Think about why party members support her." Kim added, "Politics should be done at a common-sense level," and "If she was going to run, she shouldn't have accepted the position, and if she accepted it, she should have been faithful."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, also appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' saying, "Many people think it is undesirable to be involved in the party convention while holding a political office," and "If she intends to run in the party leader election, she should resign from her political office."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The People Power Party's convention rules state that if no candidate receives a majority of votes, a runoff vote will be held between the top two candidates. Whether 'Yunshim' will continue to influence the runoff is uncertain. If 'Yunshim' concentrates on one candidate, other candidates may form alliances.

If the party convention in early March proceeds to a runoff, party members are likely to decide the party leader based on the president's approval rating. Inside and outside the party, it is expected that if the president's approval rating is high, a safe party leader who supports the Yoon administration will be chosen; otherwise, a party leader who could influence the next presidential election may be elected.

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