Na Kyung-won shows support for Kim Gi-hyeon

Feb 08, 2023, 09:07 am

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Ruling People Power Party (PPP) chair contender Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon (left) and former PPP lawmaker Na Kyung-won shake hands before the reporters after announcing their positions in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Feb. 7, 2023./ Photographed by Song Eui-joo

AsiaToday reporter Kim Na-ri

Ruling People Power Party (PPP) chair contender Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon and former PPP lawmaker Na Kyung-won shared their perceptions of winning the upcoming general elections and the success of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. There was no direct mention of “solidarity” or “support”, but Na indirectly threw her support behind Kim.

“It was a meeting to share our efforts to protect and trust the values of the conservatives for 20 years. I will continue to share more opinions with Na and seek her advice,” Kim said after his lunch meeting with Na at a restaurant in Seoul on Tuesday.

When asked whether she is declaring support for him, Kim said, “You can think of it as meaning that we will discuss a lot together,” adding, “I’m sure there will be a lot to work with her because Na has affection for our party and a will to succeed the Yoon administration.”

Na said, “It’s very unfortunate that the party now seems to become a national convention of division,” adding, “What we need to think about is the successful management of state affairs by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and victory in next year’s general elections.”

Last month, former PPP lawmaker Na bowed out of the PPP leadership race. She had ruled out of the possibility of supporting either candidate, saying there is “no room” for her to play a role in the runup to the national convention. When asked if her stance on playing a role has changed, she responded, “This is a very difficult time, and there is a lot to do,” adding, “It means that I will play a role in what is needed to successfully manage state affairs and win the general elections.”

This is the third time Rep. Kim has met with Na. Kim is known to have visited Na twice to appeal for solidarity. As Na joins hands with Kim, attention is being paid to how it will affect the party’s election in the future.

#Na Kyung-won #Kim Gi-hyeon