'Core Pro-Wen' Kim Kyung-soo's Father-in-Law's Passing... Ruling Party Presidential Candidates Gather in Mokpo

No Pro-문 Direct Descendants Among Candidates
Governor Kim's Support Is a Key Variable

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Ruling party presidential candidates will gather in Mokpo, Jeonnam on the 14th. This is to pay respects at the funeral hall for the father-in-law of Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province and a 'pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in)' core figure.

In the afternoon, former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, and former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae, among other presidential candidates, are scheduled to visit the funeral hall. Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung decided not to attend the condolence visit considering the COVID-19 situation in the province, and instead, his wife Kim Hye-kyung will pay respects in person. Presidential candidates Kim Du-kwan and Park Yong-jin completed their visits the day before.

This situation allows for various political interpretations. During the Democratic Party primary phase, the future moves of Governor Kim, who is the successor of both pro-Roh (pro-Roh Moo-hyun) and pro-Moon factions, inevitably overlap. Governor Kim was sentenced to prison in the second trial on charges of manipulating online comments and is awaiting the Supreme Court ruling on the 21st. If he is acquitted and returns, the pro-Moon faction is likely to consolidate around him.

Meanwhile, since none of the six presidential candidates are classified as direct pro-Moon lineage, pro-Moon lawmakers within the party are scattered across different camps. They may concretize their political moves by rallying around Governor Kim. Many pro-Moon lawmakers have yet to decide which presidential candidate to support. In this context, Governor Kim’s return and political activities could become a variable that shakes up the primary race. From the perspective of each presidential candidate, there is ample incentive to seek Governor Kim’s support or endorsement.

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