- PPP reverses approval ratings? Public anger boiling over toward ruling party
- Presidential press conference? Must declare no reelection and agree to stand trial
- Why nominate Kim Seung-won? Will not mention dropping charges
- Single-stock ETF, revealed to be pushed through under Kim Yong-beom's lead
- Promoted trading despite widespread opposition…Must be thoroughly investigated
- Filed complaint with CIO…Possibility of pursuing civil and criminal liability
- Kim Seung-won's confirmation report adopted? Will formalize appointment today
- Opposition street protests? No party-level preparation yet…Condemnation rally scheduled
- Agree on necessity, but justification and momentum to sustain it are key
- Harmony with Han Dong-hoon? Regrettable that he is fighting alone
- Not just Yong Hye-in's resignation, 'semi-proportional representation system' must be abolished

■ Broadcast: SBS Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show (FM 103.5 MHz 7:00 – 9:00 AM)
■ Date: September 18, 2026 (Fri)
■ Host: Attorney Kim Tae-hyun
■ Guest: Lawmaker Na Kyung-won, People Power Party

[Kim Tae-hyun]: With nominee Kim Seung-won's confirmation hearing report adopted, President Lee Jae-myung's press conference will take place shortly. We will talk with Lawmaker Na Kyung-won, a five-term veteran lawmaker of the People Power Party, about the mood in the opposition. Hello, Lawmaker Na.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Hello.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Lawmaker Na, let's start with approval ratings. On Monday (September 14), a Realmeter party poll was released, and the results showed the People Power Party edging ahead of the Democratic Party within the margin of error. What do you think is the cause? For the People Power Party, it is good news to begin with.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: It is good news. However, it is still too early for us to boast that we did well. But in any case, people have come to think that the Democratic Party has gone too far, and boiling anger has erupted over how the Lee Jae-myung administration could act like this.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: So I think the most important thing right now is how our party approaches the public. A phrase I like these days is Dongsim Dangeum (同心斷金) — "when united in one mind, we can cut through metal." If we wage our fight against the ruling party in disciplined unity, and in the process make various efforts to get closer to the people, I believe we will be able to regain the public's trust.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: This poll was conducted by Realmeter at the request of Energy Economic News on September 10 – 11 via automated response system (ARS) on wireless phones. For details, you can refer to the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission website. The figures showed the Democratic Party at 36.1% and the People Power Party at 42.1%.
 
(Survey conducted by polling agency Realmeter at the request of Energy Economic News from September 7 to 11, via automated response system on 2,515 eligible voters aged 18 and older. Margin of error is ±2.0% points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 4.5%. Positive assessment of President Lee Jae-myung's state administration stood at 33.8%, negative assessment at 63.3%. Party approval ratings were 36.1% for the Democratic Party of Korea and 42.1% for the People Power Party. For more details, refer to the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission website.)
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: At any rate, approval ratings are not very good for either the president or the Democratic Party right now. Conversely, for the People Power Party, this could present an opportunity. The president will hold a press conference in about two hours and twenty minutes. As a senior opposition lawmaker, what points are you focusing on for today's presidential press conference?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: They say the president canceled his schedule yesterday (September 17) — keeping only one event, I hear — to prepare for today. What is important is that instead of making this or that calculation, if he decisively changes what needs to be changed in a refreshing way, he might win the public's support. But from our perspective as the opposition, what the public continues to worry about, and the starting point of this administration pushing everything through and getting so entangled, is that the president became a president with criminal culpability, isn't it?
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: You are referring to his judicial risk?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Yes. In the end, if he starts by stating that he will not seek a second term and will stand trial, things could change. But would he say that easily? That is the point I am watching most closely.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: A constitutional amendment for consecutive terms, and then dropping the charges.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Yes, dropping the charges. Going beyond dropping charges, declaring that he will stand trial.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Right now?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: I believe he must stand trial. Because it is clearly stated in the Supreme Court ruling on July 9. The ruling regarding former President Yoon Suk Yeol clearly stated that presidential immunity from prosecution under Article 84 of the Constitution means not indicting, and therefore investigation was possible. That is what the Supreme Court ruled. Looking at the decisions of the five court panels that suspended President Lee Jae-myung's trials, three explicitly cited Article 84, and the other two did not cite Article 84 directly but articulated its substance. Then, according to the Supreme Court ruling, each court panel should resume the trials, and shouldn't the prosecution request trial dates? So what this all means is not merely saying "I won't drop the charges," but saying, "I will proceed according to law and principle." I think it is right for him to say that.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Do you think he will do that?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: He won't.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Resuming the trials is another issue, of course, but regarding the constitutional amendment for consecutive terms and dropping charges, even within the Democratic Party, Lawmaker Youn Kun-young has publicly said that these matters need to be cleared up.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: I think the issue of dropping the charges is an even bigger problem than the constitutional amendment for consecutive terms. That is the beginning of the destruction of the judiciary. But I don't think the president can speak like that about dropping charges. Why else would he push so hard to appoint Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won? In the end, I believe it is about dropping the charges.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: I see. The Blue House has stated that it will not avoid any questions. Lawmaker Na, if you were there in person, is there one question you would definitely want to ask aside from the consecutive-term amendment or dropping charges?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Resuming the trials.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Resuming trials. That is actually a tougher issue for the president.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: When the president himself does not follow law and principle on this matter, how can he tell the public to obey the law? I believe the country has fallen into this mess because the president is solely focused on not going to prison after his term ends.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Let's look into a policy matter. It links to an issue you raised during an urgent press conference at the National Assembly Press Center, on a Sunday perhaps two or three weeks ago.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: The ETFs?
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes. Both YTN and TV Chosun reported on this the day before yesterday (September 16). In a closed-door meeting last January between Blue House officials, including former Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, and heads of securities firms and asset management companies, no securities firm or asset manager proposed introducing single-stock ETFs. It was Chief Kim Yong-beom who told them to review it. That was the reporting from TV Chosun and YTN.

[Na Kyung-won]: Yes. So it was just as we expected. It was pushed through under Chief Kim Yong-beom's lead. That is exactly what was anticipated.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: I have filed a complaint with the CIO over this. Of course, this is a matter for a special prosecutor. A special prosecutor would be more objective. Currently, three individuals — Chief Kim Yong-beom, Lee Eok-won, and Lee Chan-jin — are involved with the ETFs. Chief Kim Yong-beom pushed for and reviewed this. Then, passing this required a resolution by the Financial Services Commission, but the sons of Director Lee Chan-jin and Chief Kim Yong-beom both work at Mirae Asset. Interested parties cannot participate in the vote, yet Director Lee Chan-jin participated, and Chairman Lee Eok-won virtually turned a blind eye despite knowing this. So I filed a complaint against the three of them.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: The reason I submitted the complaint to the CIO is that if left alone, various pieces of evidence, such as mobile phone text messages, could be destroyed in the meantime. Fortunately, reports came out yesterday (September 17) that the CIO has launched an investigation. So we will wait and see.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: But Lawmaker Na, in the end, it is true that this is a policy failure. But holding public officials legally accountable for policy failure—
 
[Na Kyung-won]: I see it as going beyond a policy failure.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Meaning you believe there is more to it?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Because, first of all, there may be conflict of interest issues, but many concerns were raised even during the review process regarding single-stock leveraged ETFs. People said it should never be introduced when the market is boiling like this. Because you gain double, but you also lose double. So even though they were told no, they pushed ahead with it. And amid all this, talk was made about becoming third in global market capitalization and that our stock market is still undervalued. In short, the president and Chief Kim Yong-beom, rather than warning the public that this could be risky and lead to losses, essentially encouraged people to "buy, buy." If so, looking closely into it, I think it might even be possible to hold civil and criminal liability. Therefore, I believe a thorough investigation into this matter is truly necessary.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Understood. Let's talk about Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won. Yesterday (September 17), his confirmation hearing report was adopted in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and today is the presidential press conference.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Yes.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: What I'm curious about is that with public sentiment not being great, answering questions about this during today's press conference could be a burden for the president. Then, ruling party members on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee could have taken more time, or dragged it out a bit, taking their time even if he is ultimately appointed. What could be the reason for rushing through the adoption of the report right before the presidential press conference?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: They probably wanted to cut off controversy and say, "Stop making noise," wouldn't you say? Perhaps they thought that dragging it out would only fuel expectations that he might be disqualified, stoking more fires. But the public currently thinks this has gone too far. So I wonder if they can get past it so easily.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Well, the report was adopted. So reporters will ask about it at today's press conference. If the report hadn't been adopted, the president could have dodged by saying, "I will decide after seeing the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's adopted confirmation report."
 
[Na Kyung-won]: That's right. There is that aspect.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Now that it is adopted, he has to answer today. What do you think he will say?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: I think he will likely choose a way to swiftly bring an end to the controversy.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: So saying that while allegations were raised during the confirmation hearing, there are no flaws significant enough to disqualify him from serving as Justice Minister?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: I think he will probably try to wrap it up by saying something like "there is no such disqualifying flaw."
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: He will formalize the appointment at today's press conference?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Yes. That is how I see it.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Then regarding the opposition's response: talk of street protests is emerging, from Representative Jang Dong-hyeok and Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. To what extent is the People Power Party preparing for this?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: I don't know for certain whether our party is making specific preparations at the party level right now. However, on Tuesday (September 22),
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: I heard that rally notices were filed for September.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Rally notices filed for what?
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: They said notices for outdoor rallies were filed in several locations in September.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: On Tuesday (September 22), we have scheduled a condemnation rally with party members inside the National Assembly.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Inside the National Assembly.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: With these street protests, former Minister Cho Kuk was appointed minister and ultimately ended up resigning, didn't he? That is why many people talk about street protests. In any case, I agree that street protests are necessary to a certain extent in that they must channel the public's anger, and I believe we should conduct street protests of that nature.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: However, the key is whether holding street protests can generate enough pressure to ultimately force a withdrawal. In the case of former Minister Cho Kuk, a compulsory investigation by prosecutors began at midnight when the confirmation hearing ended. So the investigation was launched. At that time, there were numerous allegations, from uninvestigated suspicions regarding his son and daughter, and as those were investigated, the progress of the investigation played a very critical role in leading to his downfall. Therefore, there are two aspects to street protests: whether the goal is to achieve the specific result we desire, or whether it becomes a struggle to judge this administration by channeling public anger. I think going toward the latter would give us greater momentum. That is why I believe street protests must also be approached very strategically.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: As a five-term lawmaker, you have far more political experience than Representative Jang Dong-hyeok. From your experience, while going out to protest on the streets is fine, do you also worry about having an exit justification or whether there will be momentum to sustain it?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: That is the point I mentioned. That is why I believe a strategic approach is needed regarding the goals, scope, and methods of street protests. But looking at things now, others are also saying they will take to the streets.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: At any rate, it's quite chaotic.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: We don't know what will happen, but Representative Jang Dong-hyeok says he will engage in street protests, and former Representative Han Dong-hoon also used expressions like taking to the streets. If both Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon and Representative Jang Dong-hyeok hold street protests, it doesn't seem easy for them to do it together. In any case, could this serve as an opportunity for the People Power Party to reconcile, so to speak, or form a united front with independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: When fighting the ruling party, independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has fought well this time and disclosed various materials. What I find regrettable is that there are many pro-Han lawmakers, so he could share them, but he only gave one case to Park Jeong-hun and is doing everything alone, which feels a bit lacking. Doing things together is better than doing them alone. In that sense, we can always cooperate with each other.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: I see. By any chance, did you also receive the letter and Gupo noodles sent by Lawmaker Han?
 
[Na Kyung-won]: It arrived yesterday (September 17). But since I don't give gifts to lawmakers, I will just accept it. I will enjoy eating them.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Understood. Let's discuss this next. Recently, you have frequently brought up the issue of nominee Yong Hye-in, arguing for the abolition of the semi-mixed member proportional representation system to prevent abuse of the proportional representation system. From your perspective, you have a deep connection with this issue, dating back to when you served as floor leader.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: What we fought fiercely against in 2019 was the introduction of the semi-proportional representation system that gave birth to Yong Hye-in. We also opposed the legislation establishing the CIO, which marked the beginning of dismantling the prosecution, culminating in the abolition of supplementary investigative authority taking effect on October 2. Back then, they framed me with the label "Na-crowbar." But you know it wasn't "Na-crowbar," it was "You-crowbar," right? The crowbar that the Democratic Party brought out and used to pry doors open — I simply picked it up once. It was "You-crowbar," not "Na-crowbar."
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: But what we opposed back then was this semi-proportional representation system linked to the CIO Act. The semi-proportional system is an election law bound to create someone like Yong Hye-in. Ultimately, it violates the equality of votes and goes against the principles of representative democracy. Therefore, it shouldn't just end with nominee Yong Hye-in's resignation; we must see to it that it is abolished, which is why I am also holding a forum on Monday (September 21). We need to return to the past system. I believe restoring this flawed system to its original state is our calling.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: And ahead of the abolition of supplementary investigative powers, yesterday (September 17) the Democratic Party arbitrarily passed over 50 bills. Is that even a parliament? From introduction on September 9 to reaching the plenary session and passing yesterday, it took a mere nine days — just nine days. Does this make any sense?
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: So yesterday (September 17), I just walked out in the middle of voting. After pressing "against," I felt this was just providing a false appearance, making it look as though parliament is functioning properly, so I walked out. Correcting this is what must be done right now.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Lawmaker Na, ahead of the 2024 general election, there was brief talk of abolishing this, but it didn't happen. This time, however, the Democratic Party holds the key. Within the Democratic Party, questions over whether the semi-proportional system is right seem to be raised more often than before due to the Yong Hye-in controversy. What do you think, do you see a chance of persuading Democratic Party lawmakers? After all, it is difficult without the Democratic Party's consent.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: In fact, Democratic Party lawmakers did not look favorably upon the semi-proportional representation system either. However, when Party Leader Kim Min-seok recently advocated for lowering the requirements for forming a parliamentary negotiation group and addressed nominee Yong Hye-in's resignation, what he mentioned was "solidarity." I believe they will never agree to change it. Ultimately, they will act against the public's wishes.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Yes.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Why? Because only by maintaining the semi-proportional system can they pack all the parties they want into it, or utilize satellite parties — isn't the Basic Income Party similar to a Lee Jae-myung party? They have an agenda using these parties. That is why they emphasize solidarity and talk about lowering the seat threshold for parliamentary negotiation groups. I believe they will try to avoid abolishing the semi-proportional system. But doesn't the public oppose fake parties emerging and receiving state subsidies? That is why we must restore it to its original state.
 
[Kim Tae-hyun]: Understood. We will wrap up here. That was Lawmaker Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party. Thank you.
 
[Na Kyung-won]: Thank you.

The copyright of this interview material belongs to SBS Radio.
When publishing the full text or quoting this interview in reporting,
please state the channel name and accurate program title as below:

[SBS Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show]