Yoon Seok-youl Encourages Lawmaker Na Kyung-won to Run for Presidential Election

Former President Yoon Seok-youl reportedly suggested that lawmaker Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party consider running for the presidential election during their meeting at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul on the 5th.

According to Channel A's report on the 10th, former President Yoon expressed his desire for Na to contemplate a presidential bid, stating, "Please play a role for this country," during a meeting with senior officials from the government at the residence the day after the ruling on his impeachment.

At this gathering, former President Yoon expressed concerns about the future direction of the country, saying, "I have many worries about where this country is headed."

He also emphasized the necessity of regaining power, stating, "Shouldn’t we win again in this presidential election?"

In particular, he was reported to have remarked, "If we take the administrative power when the legislative power is already so strong, the country could face serious issues."

Na Kyung-won Announces Plan to Run for Presidential Election Tomorrow (11th)

Former President Yoon's comments are interpreted as lending support to Na's early presidential candidacy.

There are analyses in some political circles suggesting that former President Yoon has Na in mind as a potential candidate for the next presidential election.

In fact, Na, who had previously indicated that she was deliberating on her decision, officially announced her intention to run in the 21st presidential election on the 10th.

Na stated, “I will run for the 21st presidential election with a desperate and earnest heart to protect the people and the nation,” and declared, “I will protect the Republic of Korea to the end! I will bring it back to life!” She announced her intention to make her candidacy official at 2 PM on the 11th at the stairs in front of the main building of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, as of now, the major candidates from the People Power Party who have declared their intention to run include Kyungbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo, former Representative Han Dong-hoon, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jung-bok, lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo, and former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min.

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo is scheduled to announce his candidacy on the 14th, while Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon plans to declare his candidacy within this week.

Image source: News1, Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party / News1