'President, Kim Kyung-soo Has Arrived'... The Restart Begins at Bongha Village

Last Secretary Kim Kyung-su of Roh
First Public Schedule After Release, Gimhae Bongha Village
"We Must Reflect Again on Why We Strived for National Unity"

"I think we need to look back now on why President Roh Moo-hyun worked so hard for national unity."

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo visited the late President Roh Moo-hyun’s burial site in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, on the morning of the 28th as his first public schedule after release. Kim Kyung-soo is a politician symbolizing the last secretary to former President Roh, having served closely by his side until Roh’s passing on May 23, 2009.

Kim is a symbolic figure of the pro-Roh (pro-Roh Moo-hyun faction) and serves as the leader of the pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in faction). During the Moon Jae-in administration, Democratic Party lawmakers sought to convey their intentions to the Blue House through Kim. This was due to Kim’s political stature as the most trusted figure by President Moon and the leader of the pro-Moon faction.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim was sentenced to two years in prison in connection with the so-called Druking case. While he is a “painful finger” for the pro-Roh and pro-Moon camps, he is a subject of caution and scrutiny for the People Power Party. The sharp criticism from People Power Party lawmakers regarding the decision to pardon Kim without reinstatement is not unrelated to this political background.

Kim announced a new beginning at Bongha Village. For politicians, every word and action is a message. Kim emphasized, “The greatest task that the President regarded during his term was national unity.” The message of national unity reflects former President Roh’s political philosophy during his lifetime and also encapsulates the political climate of December 2022.

Kim said, “Isn’t it a national misfortune that no matter which government undertakes reforms, when the regime changes, these efforts become a house of cards repeatedly?” This message expresses regret over the reality under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration where the reform agendas of the Moon administration are being undone.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s decision to pardon without reinstatement, Kim explained, “This pardon is like receiving an unwanted gift forcibly.” After Kim’s statement became known, criticism from the People Power Party accusing him of “political prisoner cosplay” followed.

Kim announced his return by raising the issue of national unity, but it remains to be seen what role he will play in practical politics. The current reality that bars him from running for public office until May 2028 means he cannot participate in the April 2024 general election or the March 2027 presidential election. However, he may become an important axis in the future political landscape of the Democratic Party.

The pro-Roh and pro-Moon groups are currently scattered without a central figure. If they reunite around Kim, their political influence could be considerable. Although it is difficult for Kim to take the lead directly, the political landscape could change depending on what messages he delivers or which figures he supports during critical election phases.

The opposition party, currently led by Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, may see the presidential race solidify as it is or develop in a completely different direction.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, as the People Power Party has begun to check him, the political environment is not easy. The greater Kim’s political influence grows, the stronger the forces within and outside the Democratic Party to check him may become. What is clear is that Kim Kyung-soo, a politician who has completed his prison term, is a variable that could trigger a tectonic shift in Yeouido’s political scene. Whether criticized or supported, the fact that his words and actions attract attention in Yeouido reflects his stature.

There is also interest in when Kim, who paid respects at former President Roh’s burial site, will meet former President Moon Jae-in. Even if only pleasantries are exchanged, the content of their conversation could lead to various political interpretations. Kim himself does not deny the possibility of meeting Moon.

When asked about the possibility of meeting former President Moon, Kim said, “Since it’s a new year, I suppose I should go pay my respects soon.”

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