Visiting the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, Kim Dong-yeon Urges Gwangju to Create a Second Roh Moo-hyun Miracle

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon visited Gwangju, the "holy land of democracy," on the 13th and attracted attention by mentioning the possibility of running for president, saying, "Please show great interest, citizens of Gwangju, so that we can recreate the second Roh Moo-hyun miracle and pave the way for our Republic of Korea to win and move forward on a new path."

After paying respects at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery, Governor Kim told reporters, "I came because I was requested to give a lecture at the Korea Employers Federation tomorrow," and explained the reason for his visit, saying, "I always think about starting with the spirit of Gwangju when doing politics, so whenever I come to Gwangju, I visit the May 18th Democratic Cemetery to reflect on its meaning and renew my original intention."

He continued, "I understand that many Gwangju citizens have concerns about whether regime change is possible through the Democratic Party," adding, "I believe we need to lay the foundation for regime change with a bigger Democratic Party. It’s not Lee Jae-myung’s Democratic Party, but the Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s Kim Dong-yeon, the Democratic Party’s Kim Kyung-soo, the Democratic Party’s Kim Boo-kyum ? all together, we need to build a bigger Democratic Party."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is paying respects at the Gwangju National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on the 13th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

He then emphasized, "Regime change alone is not enough," and said, "Just as our citizens came out with colorful cheering sticks to prevent martial law and rebellion, now we need solidarity for a revolution of light."

In particular, he said, "Please show great interest, citizens of Gwangju, so that we can recreate the second Roh Moo-hyun miracle and lead our Republic of Korea to a winning path and a new path," and promised, "I emphasize once again, if Gwangju chooses, Korea changes. I will devote myself and do my best to make Korea go on the winning path and new path with the second Roh Moo-hyun miracle."

Governor Kim also mentioned constitutional amendment.

He first said, "The 1987 system has now expired," and argued, "It is time to start anew with the Seventh Republic. However, to create the Seventh Republic, the solidarity of light and the Democratic Party alone are not enough. Political forces with diverse values and even the power of awakened citizens must join forces to build the Seventh Republic."

Text written by Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, in the guestbook of the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on the 13th

To this end, Governor Kim stated, "First, a constitutional amendment that can firmly prevent martial law must be made, and it should include the spirit of Gwangju, which triggered the democratization movement 45 years ago, in the preamble of the constitution. Second is an economic constitutional amendment, and finally, a restructuring of the power system is necessary."

He added, "It is necessary to establish a new political system with a decentralized four-year two-term presidency and a responsible prime minister system," and said, "To do this, the next president must commit to serving until the next general election and firmly push for constitutional amendment, shortening the term to two years and completing the mission of constitutional amendment as a president with a three-year term. I believe such a president is needed."

Meanwhile, Governor Kim wrote in the guestbook that day, "Oh spirits of Gwangju, please grant us strength to end the rebellion and open the Seventh Republic with the Democratic Party."

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