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Kim Yong-tae, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), speaks during a press briefing on current issues at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 8. / Source: Lee Byung-hwa

As factional competition over leadership intensifies within the ruling People Power Party (PPP), former presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo is drawing attention for his increasingly active political engagements following the June 3 election. Observers speculate that Kim may be positioning himself for greater influence in the party as he holds a series of high-profile meetings with key figures both inside and outside the PPP, including lawmakers Na Kyung-won and Ahn Cheol-soo, as well as former Democratic Party leader Sohn Hak-kyu and New Future Democratic Party senior adviser Lee Nak-yon.

According to political sources on June 9, Kim visited Seoul National Cemetery on June 6, after which he had dinner with Ahn Cheol-soo in Yeouido. Around the same time, he also met with Na Kyung-won for tea.

During these meetings, Kim reportedly thanked Na and Ahn for their roles as co-chairs during his presidential campaign. No specific discussions regarding the upcoming party leadership election were reported.

Still, some within the PPP believe Kim may be laying the groundwork for a leadership bid. One party official commented, “As factional strife continues, public demand for party normalization will only grow. If the divisions remain unresolved, Kim may indeed step forward.”

Others, however, argue that Kim has firmly ruled out a run for party leadership. “Despite calls from his supporters, Kim has made it clear that he does not intend to seek the party leadership,” another PPP insider said. “That said, his stance could shift depending on how internal party conflicts evolve.”

Meanwhile, some in the PPP are voicing support for Ahn Cheol-soo as the next party leader. Ahn, known for championing centrist conservative policies, is seen by many as a figure who aligns with the party’s reform agenda.