Assemblyman Kim Du-kwan, Full-Scale Start on Presidential Run? ... Public Criticism of Governor Lee Jae-myung

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheol-in] Criticism is intensifying within the Democratic Party targeting Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, who advocates for nationwide disaster relief payments.

Kim Jong-min, a senior member of the Democratic Party classified as pro-Moon Jae-in faction, stated publicly on the 13th, “Hasty policies not coordinated with quarantine authorities could potentially cause confusion in the national quarantine system.” On the 14th, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan supported Kim’s remarks.

On the 14th, Kim Doo-kwan posted on his Facebook titled “Kim Jong-min’s remarks are correct,” arguing, “Fiscal policy must align in four aspects: purpose, scale, timing, and predictability to succeed. Disaster relief payments must have a clear purpose, be sufficient enough to show effects, and be distributed at the time when the greatest effect can be seen. When these three conditions are met, citizens can make consumption plans tailored to themselves with predictability.”

He particularly emphasized, “Local governments must cooperate with the central government,” adding, “In the war against infectious diseases, the quasi-war state of quarantine must not be disrupted. If quarantine systems operate separately by region, gaps may arise.”

He continued, “Kim Jong-min’s criticism of Gyeonggi Province’s second disaster relief payment was timely.”

Kim stated, “I have argued that nationwide disaster relief payments should be distributed in line with the vaccination schedule,” emphasizing, “Because sufficient support must be provided to all citizens at the time when the third COVID-19 wave is ending and vaccinations are underway for households and the national economy to endure.”

In response, Governor Lee Jae-myung met with reporters on the 14th after party-government consultations at the National Assembly, criticizing, “To think that universal support would cause people to recklessly gather and spend money like immature children underestimates the public’s level of awareness too much,” adding, “If you respect the people, it would be difficult to think that way.”

Meanwhile, some speculate that lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan has officially started his bid for the presidency. After Governor Kim Kyung-soo declared he would not run for president at the end of last year, Kim Doo-kwan advocated for the impeachment of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, showing awareness of the votes of hardline pro-Moon supporters.

Several Democratic Party lawmakers said in unison, “On the surface, it seems like an internal party debate over nationwide disaster relief payments continues, but as Governor Lee Jae-myung begins to widen the gap with Representative Lee Nak-yeon in various polls, Kim Doo-kwan, emphasizing his status as a Yeongnam pro-Moon faction member, has started a full-scale offensive.”

Former National Assembly Secretary-General Kim Young-choon, who declared his candidacy for Busan mayor, also appeared on Kim Kyung-rae’s Choegang Sisa and supported, “While some differentiated policies on disaster relief payments may be implemented in certain cities and provinces, the overall trend should be coordinated jointly by the central and local governments.”

Kim Young-choon said, “To put it simply, Gyeonggi Province is much better off financially than Busan,” adding, “If Gyeonggi Province simply provides universal support payments, Busan will have no money to distribute to its citizens.”

Regarding criticism from Kim Doo-kwan, Governor Lee’s side has taken a stance not to respond to each criticism individually. A Democratic Party lawmaker from Gyeonggi Province said, “Internal party checks and balances are clearly increasing,” and “Checks and balances will likely increase further, but Governor Lee probably will not make additional responses.”

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