On Early Election Candidacy Question... Kim Kyung-soo: "A Crucial Time for Punishing Treason... Failing Regime Change Is a Sin"

When Asked About Plans to Join the Primary in an Early Presidential Election
"I Will Decide My Role When the Time Comes"

Kim Kyung-soo, a key figure in the pro-Moon Jae-in faction, urged, "Now is the time to focus on creating a Democratic Party of Korea that wins under any circumstances," adding, "We must build a bigger and more inclusive Democratic Party."

On the 5th, Kim said on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' program, "If we fail to achieve a regime change in this current state of internal conflict, it would truly be a sin against history."

He evaluated, "During this administration, there was unprecedented oppression of opposition party leaders in other countries, but Representative Lee Jae-myung endured it," and added, "The Democratic Party united tightly and overcame it well." However, he also noted, "Many party members and supporters left during the process of uniting the party," and said, "We must embrace all of them to create a bigger Democratic Party to win the presidential election."

Former Governor of Gyeongnam Province Kim Kyung-soo. Yonhap News

Regarding former Presidential Secretary Im Jong-seok's recent remarks blaming Representative Lee and the pro-Lee faction for the presidential election defeat, Kim said, "The most accurate assessment is that everyone made some mistakes," emphasizing, "But the evaluation of the presidential election should be left to history, and now we must focus on the upcoming presidential election." He continued, "Although I did not directly participate in the presidential election, I also bear responsibility," explaining, "There were residents of Gyeongnam who were disappointed when I left before the election while serving as governor, which likely affected the presidential election as well."

When asked if he plans to participate in the primary if an early presidential election is held, he was cautious, saying, "That is a discussion too far ahead." Kim stated, "Right now, everyone should unite to punish the internal rebellion forces, and discussions are needed to create a presidential election that we can definitely win," adding, "What role I will play when the time is right is a matter to be decided then."

Meanwhile, Kim has recently proposed party unity and inclusion multiple times through social media. On the 29th of last month, he urged, "Many people have distanced themselves or left the party in disgrace during the local and general elections held after the 2022 presidential election," and said, "We sincerely apologize and must make it possible for them to willingly return." Then, on the 1st, he stated, "We must stop shouting at each other, apologize, reach out, and unite greatly to win the presidential election," adding, "Winning the presidential election is the completion of the impeachment."

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