[Interview with Kim Ki-hyun] "Capital Region Representation Theory, Useless Regionalism"

No Internal Division in the Ruling Party for Effective Work
Possible Alliance with Ahn Cheol-soo for General Election Victory
Na Kyung-won, an Eternal Political Ally

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] "The theory of metropolitan area representation only creates another unnecessary regionalism."

Kim Ki-hyun, a candidate running for the People Power Party's March 8 party leadership election, recently said in an interview with Asia Economy, "Whether it is the sentiment of party members in the metropolitan area or in other regions, everyone shares the same wish for our party to succeed."

This remark was aimed at Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate for party leader who has promoted the 'metropolitan area representation theory' in this leadership election. The metropolitan area representation theory is based on the fact that the conservative People Power Party is rooted in the Yeongnam region, so electing a leader from the metropolitan area is intended to expand the party's support base. However, Kim stated, "I will not approach the leadership election with a metropolitan area strategy just to become party leader, but will show a vision on how to win the next general election," emphasizing, "I will move the voters regardless of whether they are from the metropolitan or non-metropolitan areas."

Interview_Kim Ki-hyun, Candidate for the People Power Party Leader. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Kim views the metropolitan area representation theory as a divisive approach rooted in the chronic regionalism of Korean politics. He retorted, "Are you saying that non-metropolitan regions have nothing to do with the general election?" and added, "This is a serious misjudgment of our party members and a disregard for them," emphasizing that party members are very wise and will look to the future to judge what we (the party) must do to win the general election and ensure the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration.

Since this leadership election is a 'two-strong candidate race,' Kim focused on countering his main rival, Ahn. Kim said that the conditions for winning next year's parliamentary general election are, "First, since we are the ruling party, we must perform well," and "Second, the party must not be noisy. Everyone hates internal conflicts, infighting, and backstabbing. There must be no more internal divisions." He also stated that through fair and transparent candidate selection, the party will field competitive and strong candidates.

Kim also said that he can meet with Ahn anytime and that a 'Kim-Ahn alliance' is possible right now. He explained, "The goal is not for Kim Ki-hyun to win the party leadership election, but for us to win the general election."

Interview_Kim Ki-hyun, People Power Party Leader Candidate. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who declared she would not run after conflicts with the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction in this leadership election, has recently effectively supported Kim. Kim said, "We are eternal political comrades," describing their relationship as a political alliance and comradeship sharing the roots of traditional conservatism. He explained, "How did we build this party? Even when we faced repeated crushing defeats and were told to fold because we had shrunk too much, we overcame the death line," referring to their shared experience since entering Yeouido together in the 17th National Assembly. He added, "Those who suddenly came from outside and did not participate in our struggle cannot compare to the comradeship we share," emphasizing, "(We) fought on the front lines of the Nakdong River battle with guns in hand."

Kim said that if elected party leader, he would create an active ruling party. Rather than a passive ruling party that only supports policies made by the executive branch, he aims to become a ruling party that holds policy initiative and creates policies that align with public sentiment. He said, "The executive branch may not have a strong desire for new changes, but public sentiment demands many changes and reforms," and emphasized, "How to accommodate the demands for change and reform from public sentiment is the party's responsibility, so we will hold policy initiative and conduct close party-government consultations." Kim said he would hold high-level party-government meetings once a week, and working-level party-government meetings two or three times, with daily meetings among staff to ensure politics that reflect public sentiment.

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