[Initial Perspective] Could the Conservative 'Idol' Have Become an Artist?

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The word 'idol,' meaning 'a figure to admire,' holds significant meaning in the history of domestic music. Once regarded as mere entertainers or puppets who sang and danced, often dismissed as 'ddanttara' or 'entertainers,' they are now revered as 'artists' leading the globally expanding K-pop wave.

Who in the conservative camp can be called an idol? Excluding former President Park Geun-hye, who has remained silent since her pardon, there is only one such figure: former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, known as the 'conservative idol.' She entered politics in 2002 as a special aide to presidential candidate Lee Hoi-chang and quickly became a 'rising star' of conservatism by being elected as a Supreme Council member at the 2010 Grand National Party convention.

She also holds several titles as the 'first' among conservative female politicians. In 2015, she became the first female chairperson of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, and after three attempts, she became the first female floor leader of a major conservative party in 2018. As a female politician, she is almost uniquely mentioned as a presidential contender within the conservative camp. Her public recognition is high; even those who do not support her know her name. In politics, where the saying goes 'no comments (mupul) are scarier than malicious comments (akpul),' this is an invaluable asset.

On the 25th, she announced she would not run for party leader. Considering her history of seizing every opportunity to challenge, this was somewhat unusual, but understanding the circumstances leading to her decision makes her feelings more comprehensible. Forty-eight first-term lawmakers within the party effectively demanded her withdrawal through a statement. She must have felt like she was 'besieged on all sides.' Each step pushing her out revealed the harshness of politics and power.

It is especially regrettable because she is one of the few remaining female mid-career politicians.

The internal movements within the conservative party that ousted her were so rough that it was hard to believe it was a 'public party.' Just as former Presidents Park and Lee Myung-bak consistently used negative tactics during the primary, leading to mutual downfall, this will also remain a lasting wound for conservatism. However, there is also regret over her decision to withdraw, having missed her 'moment of the stars.'

Her reason for not running is particularly telling. Former lawmaker Park Jong-hee, who supported Na, revealed on his social media that one reason for her withdrawal was "a heartfelt conviction that no matter what, she cannot be 'anti-Yoon'." This is a typical example of 'loyalty to a person.' One reason President Yoon Seok-youl could become president was his strong image during the National Assembly hearings, where he said, "I do not pledge loyalty to any person," which moved the public. Could Na not have said, "I am close to President Yoon, but I do not pledge loyalty to any person. Therefore, I will run"?

What was needed was courage not to say 'I cannot be anti-Yoon,' but rather 'I can be anti-Yoon if it is for the people.' Why, after proposing a groundbreaking 'debt relief' plan at the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Preparation Committee, could she not radically change her own position? Perhaps her long political experience acted as 'inertia.' The silhouette of a female politician who once dominated an era looks even lonelier. Had she made a different choice, she might have grown not as a conservative idol but as an 'artist.'

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