Kim Bu-gyeom: "Democratic Party Convention as Yeonghonam Confrontation? An Insult to the Democratic Party"

"Regional Division Is an Outdated Method... I Will Speak with Policy and Vision"

Kim Bu-gyeom, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum emphasized that the upcoming Democratic Party convention in August, which is expected to be a showdown with Lee Nak-yeon, Chair of the COVID-19 National Crisis Response Committee, could risk becoming a 'Yeonghonam regional conflict,' calling such a notion an "insult to the Democratic Party."

On the 23rd, Kim posted on his Facebook, stating, "Our Democratic Party is a party that speaks through policies and visions. Dividing people based on their regions of origin is an outdated approach," emphasizing this point.

That day, Kim recalled an anecdote from the 19th about a Gwangju citizen who left a donation for Daegu firefighters and disappeared, asking, "What could be the heart behind giving a considerable amount of money to Daegu firefighters?"

Kim said, "At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the first place to accept a family from Daegu who was desperately searching for hospital beds was Gwangju. That is Gwangju. It embraces and shows solidarity," adding, "During the last general election, I went around the streets of Suseong District shouting not to forget Gwangju's spirit of solidarity. Although I lost, many Daegu citizens will remember Gwangju's warm heart."

He continued, "I moved my electoral district to Daegu to overcome regionalism. So I always thought only about winning elections. I believed that my election would resolve regionalism. But I lost again this time," and said, "I thought regionalism had revived. I was wrong. Ordinary citizens of Gwangju taught me that I was wrong. Regionalism is not something to be defeated by fighting but something to be dissolved by embracing. This is how broad the arms of Honam are."

Reflecting on the past, Kim said, "Looking back, President Roh Moo-hyun said he would fight regionalism, but in reality, he let go of everything and went to embrace Busan. I did not resent him. I did not blame the field. What defeat could there be for someone who goes with an embrace from the start? I guess I did not realize this even after winning once."

He emphasized, "What meaning does region have for the middle class and common people? For workers and farmers, irregular workers and small business owners, where one is from does not matter. We are all citizens of the Republic of Korea. We are all the Democratic Party."

He pledged, "To the citizens of Gwangju, who called me 'Brother City Dalgubeol,' I promise. I will also embrace. Beyond fighting, I will transcend regions through embracing. I will engage in politics solely based on ability and vision. I will show you a greater Democratic Party."

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