Democratic Party to Request Kim Du-kwan to Run in PK Region, "Need a Focal Point for Bu-Ul-Gyeong"

Nomination Committee Chair Appointed as 5-Term Non-Candidate Won Hye-young

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to request Representative Kim Doo-kwan (Gimpo-si Gap) to run in the Busan·Ulsan·Gyeongnam (PK) region for the general election.

Hong Ik-pyo, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, said to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting on the 6th, "There was a request for someone to lead the general election in the Busan·Ulsan·Gyeongnam region overall," adding, "This matter was discussed at the Supreme Council, and it was decided to convey this to Representative Kim."

Hong clarified, "It is not confirmed yet as we need to confirm his intention," and added, "However, so far, there have been discussions in the Busan·Ulsan·Gyeongnam region, and Min Hong-chul, the chairman of the Gyeongnam Provincial Party Committee, came as a representative to request this at the Supreme Council."

He continued, "We need to wait for Representative Kim's decision, but so far, the situation has been that there was a request for him to play a central role in that region."

Regarding the specific constituency and role of Representative Kim, Hong said, "Once Representative Kim decides his position, discussions will begin on where and what role he will take."

When asked if public sentiment in the PK region toward the Democratic Party has worsened, he responded, "That is not the case. Support rates have significantly recovered, and strategically, it is a place where we have high expectations to compete against the opposition," adding, "I hope this is understood as a request to give more strength."

Currently representing Gimpo-si Gap, Representative Kim is known as a rare dominant figure from the Yeongnam region within the ruling party, having served as Governor of Gyeongnam in the past. Amid the shaken public sentiment toward the ruling party in the PK region due to recent allegations of interference in the Ulsan mayoral election, Representative Kim's 'return to his hometown' is seen as another variable in this general election.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's Supreme Council resolved on the same day to appoint Representative Won Hye-young, who declared she would not run in the general election, as the chairperson of the nomination management committee. As a five-term veteran with deep knowledge of party affairs and strong trust within the party, the leadership judged her to be well-suited to manage the nomination screening process.

The appointment of committee members will be decided later in consultation with Chairperson Won.

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