Park Geun-hye's First Outing, Meeting Kim Ki-hyun... Will She Become a Conservative Focal Point?

Kim Ki-hyun to Visit Daegu Residence Next Week
People Power Party Faces Internal Strife Over Gaffes... Will Conservative Base Rally?

Former President Park Geun-hye, who stepped out for a public schedule for the first time in a year since returning home, is set to meet Kim Gi-hyeon, the leader of the People Power Party, soon. With the general election one year away, attention is focused on whether Park will play a central role in uniting conservatives based on her influence in the TK (Daegu and Gyeongbuk) region.

On the 11th, former President Park visited Donghwasa Temple in Daegu. Although this was her first public schedule ahead of the general election by a year, and political intentions were heavily speculated, Park refrained from making any political remarks that day.

Her close aide, lawyer Yoo Young-ha, also told reporters, "She came out for an outing after a long time, so please help her to come and go comfortably."

Former President Park Geun-hye is walking toward the Tongil Daebul at Donghwasa Temple on Palgongsan Mountain in Daegu on the morning of the 11th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, with the upcoming meeting with Leader Kim, there is a possibility that former President Park will continue her political activities. Kim plans to visit Daegu next week to pay a courtesy call on Park.

Currently, the People Power Party is experiencing internal conflicts due to a series of controversies involving its Supreme Council members. Since Kim’s inauguration, the party has not enjoyed a noticeable convention effect, and with multiple adverse factors piling up, a crisis theory is emerging that winning the general election will be difficult under the current circumstances. In this situation, the meeting between Kim and former President Park could greatly help consolidate the conservative base.

Until now, former President Park has not shown any significant public activities since moving into her residence in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, on March 24 last year. The last public appearance was at President Yoon Suk-yeol’s inauguration ceremony held at the National Assembly on May 10 last year. Although there were predictions that she would appear to mark the first anniversary of moving into her residence last month, Park has continued her seclusion.

There had been rumors of health deterioration during her long absence, but at Donghwasa Temple on this day, former President Park appeared healthier compared to before. However, she was seen moving her vehicle within the temple grounds and stumbling several times while walking.

Lawyer Yoo also reported that Park’s health has improved significantly and that there is no obstacle to her going out. Yoo, who accompanied her to Donghwasa Temple, told the press, "She walks easily on flat ground, but still finds it uncomfortable to walk uphill or downhill," adding, "Her health is much better than a year ago."

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