Ahead of Jeondae, Rising Conflict in the Ruling Party... Ahn Emphasizes 'Unity' Message

Roh Criticism Joined by First-term Lawmakers and Hong Jun-pyo... Intra-party Conflict Intensifies
Discord Inside and Outside the Party... Ahn "Must Not Divide"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] As former lawmaker Na Kyung-won’s potential candidacy for the People Power Party leadership election sparks internal party conflict, even first-term lawmakers have joined the fray, intensifying tensions within the party. Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo, who has declared his candidacy for party leader, is emphasizing a 'one team' approach rather than division, thereby increasing his presence.

With former lawmaker Na effectively signaling his intention to challenge for the People Power Party leadership, conflicts with the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction have escalated.

Fifty first-term lawmakers of the People Power Party issued a statement publicly criticizing him. They argued that Na should apologize to President Yoon Seok-yeol regarding his claim that the president did not intend to dismiss him from the position of Vice Chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee. Initially, 43 first-term lawmakers signed the statement, with an additional 7 signing later.

Moreover, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo has joined the fray. Mayor Hong called for Na to withdraw from the party leadership race, citing allegations of real estate speculation involving Na. On his Facebook page, Mayor Hong wrote, "I can no longer tolerate those born with a silver spoon manipulating the world with false dignity and hypocrisy," effectively urging Na to refrain from running.

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is greeting merchants at Daegu Seomun Market on the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News

Amid discord inside and outside the party, Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo, who declared his candidacy for party leader, has been emphasizing the 'one team' spirit of the leadership election daily, working to calm the party atmosphere. Ahn criticized Assemblyman Jang Je-won, who referred to Na as the 'second Yoo Seung-min,' by saying, "Repeating behaviors similar to the 'Jinbak' (true pro-Park faction) identifiers in this election is the path to our downfall," while also encouraging Na to run for party leader.

On the afternoon of the 19th, at Seomun Market in Jung-gu, Daegu, Ahn said, "The leadership election should be a festival for party members, and regardless of who is elected party leader, our party should attract public interest and gain a convention effect," adding, "I hope no further divisions occur."

Meanwhile, Ahn has begun courting the traditional support base of the People Power Party. On the same day, he visited the Seomun Market, Chilseong Market, and Gwanmun Market areas in Daegu. Additionally, on the 20th, as a New Year’s greeting, he plans to pay a visit to former President Lee Myung-bak. Although the location has not been finalized, Lee’s residence in Nonhyeon-dong is considered the most likely venue.

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