Kim Ki-hyun: "I am a Traditional Right-Winger... My Veto Base Is Shallower Than Those Who Have Switched Parties"

"Na Kyung-won, Will Make a Wise Decision After Careful Deliberation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Ki-hyun, a ruling party presidential candidate and member of the People Power Party, emphasized that he has a shallower veto base compared to other politicians who have switched party affiliations multiple times, describing himself as "someone who has continuously upheld the roots of the traditional right-wing." This was interpreted as a veiled criticism of Ahn Cheol-soo, who is also competing for the party leadership.

On the 19th, on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Kim said, "Compared to those who have a history of wavering between parties, switching back and forth, merging, leaving, or founding new parties, my veto base is much shallower. That is an important factor that guarantees my expandability."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although he did not mention specific names, it appears he indirectly reminded listeners of Ahn, who has repeatedly founded and merged parties.

Kim, as a leading candidate of the 'Pro-Yoon (친윤)' faction, is also evaluated as having somewhat limited expandability in the metropolitan area and among younger voters. Regarding this, Kim said, "As a rival candidate, they probably want to make such (criticisms). But that is merely their vague speculation, and recent opinion polls show that I am clearly number one compared to competing candidates even in the metropolitan area." He added, "It is not right to make fictitious claims that are not based on data and do not actually exist."

He recently mentioned 'Yeonpotang (Yeondae Inclusion and Balance)' and pledged to establish a special organization for out-of-parliament party branch chiefs, but this has not received proper attention amid controversies surrounding former lawmaker Na Kyung-won. With senior party members also attacking Na, many voices express doubts about whether the 'Yeonpotang' he pursues is feasible.

In response, Kim said, "In fact, I am also concerned about these points, so during today's press conference, I expressed my position that we should work more towards party unity and avoid negative exchanges among ourselves, and I declared my intention to lead by example." He added, "I hope this issue will be resolved soon so that our party can continue in a framework of healthy competition."

Regarding Na's potential candidacy, he said, "She is someone with a long political career and has walked the path of a responsible politician, so I believe she will make a wise decision after careful consideration," adding, "It is only right to wait."

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