Lee Jae-myung and Kim Boo-kyum Meeting... Speculation Arises on Party Leadership and Presidential Alliance

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, a candidate for the Democratic Party leadership, and Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung met at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office on the 27th. The meeting attracted much attention even before it took place, as it was a gathering between a party leader candidate and a potential next presidential candidate.

At the meeting in the reception room of the provincial government office that morning, Governor Lee said to former lawmaker Kim, "The greatest challenge in our society is overcoming regionalism and achieving national unity. You left Gunpo and went to the difficult Daegu, where you lost, then ran again and lost once more. You really went through a lot. It seems that this was the path President Roh Moo-hyun took as well. Personally, I truly respect you," he said.

In response, former lawmaker Kim said, "Governor, thank you for taking the lead in proposing various policies for our party and, above all, for continuously nurturing seeds of hope for the citizens and residents who are facing difficulties due to COVID-19."

The two publicly met for about three minutes in front of the press and then moved to the governor’s office for a 15-minute private meeting. During the meeting, Governor Lee explained policy issues such as the national land holding tax and basic housing, and former lawmaker Kim reportedly said he would seriously consider Lee’s proposals.

A representative from former lawmaker Kim’s side who attended the meeting said, "Governor Lee spoke to candidate Kim about a long-term plan to supply public rental housing and expanding its use to the middle class. In response, former lawmaker Kim deeply sympathized with Governor Lee’s ideas from the perspective of strengthening the social safety net."

The meeting was reportedly arranged at Governor Lee’s request ahead of a press briefing scheduled at the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, as part of former lawmaker Kim’s nationwide tour schedule. Given that both figures face a common rival in lawmaker Lee Nak-yeon amid the leadership and presidential race, there is speculation that this meeting might lead to an alliance.

However, Governor Lee’s side cautioned against overinterpretation, stating, "This was a meeting requested by former lawmaker Lee Nak-yeon’s side, who is running for party leader and touring nationwide, to exchange opinions on regional issues and share well-wishes. We plan to meet with other party leader candidates such as Lee Nak-yeon and Park Joo-min if they request as well," they said.

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