Kim Dong-yeon "My son with U.S. citizenship volunteered to join the military... Proud as a father"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Kim Dong-yeon, the Democratic Party candidate for Governor of Gyeonggi Province, expressed strong pride on the 25th regarding his second son, who voluntarily enlisted in the military despite also holding U.S. citizenship. This is interpreted as a direct rebuttal to the double nationality issue of Kim's second son raised by Kim Eun-hye, the People Power Party candidate.

Kim Dong-yeon, the Democratic Party candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor, is attending a campaign rally held in front of Emart Gyeonggi Gwangju branch in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province on the 20th, taking commemorative photos with citizens. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On this day, Kim posted on Facebook a message titled "My Proud and Grateful Family," stating, "(My second son) could have avoided military enlistment by choosing U.S. citizenship, but he voluntarily enlisted. As a father, I am truly proud."

Kim emphasized, "In October 2013, my eldest son, who was battling illness, passed away at the age of 27. Suddenly becoming an only son, my second son enlisted in 2015 and served in the 51st Division located in Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province, completing his 21-month service term."

Regarding the controversy over his second son's dual nationality, he explained, "My second son, born in the U.S. while I was studying for my doctoral degree, is a dual national under South Korean law," emphasizing that he voluntarily enlisted in the South Korean military.

Kim said, "My wife, who must have been very fragile after losing our first son two years ago, also respected our younger son's decision. I am truly grateful to my wife," adding, "My beloved family, who always took pride in their father walking the path of public service, I am really proud and thankful."

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