Yoon Geon-young: "Kim Kyung-soo as Pro-Moon Faction's Focal Point? Unlikely"

"Kim Kyung-soo Fully Aware of His Own Historical Mission and Position"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Yoon Geon-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said regarding predictions that former Governor of Gyeongnam Province Kim Kyung-soo would serve as a central figure for the pro-Moon Jae-in faction (Chinmun), "That will not happen."

In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 12th, Yoon said, "(Former Governor Kim) is well aware of his historical mission and position rather than being a representative of any faction or political group," adding, "He will not act based on the perspectives seen by so-called conservative media."

When asked whether former Governor Kim would take on a political role, Yoon responded, "How can a fish live out of water? He has to engage in politics." He continued, "Kim Kyung-soo has extensive on-site experience in national governance through the National Assembly, as governor, and at the Blue House. He is thoughtful and a resource essential to our politics," emphasizing, "Such a resource should not be wasted. It is right for him to play that role properly in the political field."

Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo is paying respects at the burial site of former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, on the morning of the 28th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, he added, "I think he will prioritize time with his family and taking care of his health. He is not in a position to engage in politics immediately," and said, "It is up to his own judgment to decide in which area he will focus his efforts."

Yoon predicted that former Governor Kim could support the victory in the Gyeongnam region in next year's general election, saying, "(Gyeongnam) is a barren area for the Democratic Party, and it is meaningful for the party to gain votes evenly nationwide, so he will not refuse such a role."

Former Governor Kim was sentenced to two years in prison in 2021 for the 'Druking comment manipulation case' and was released on December 28 last year through a year-end special pardon. However, he has not been reinstated, so he cannot run in the 2024 general election or the 2027 presidential election.

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