Kim Kyungsoo Receives Sole Democratic Party Nomination: "I Will Revive Gyeongsangnam-do, Which Is Being Increasingly Forgotten"

"Building a Model for Region-Led Growth in Gyeongsangnam-do"

"Apologies for Interrupted Provincial Administration... Will Repay by Leading Growth in the AI Era"

Kim Kyungsoo, former Chairman of the Local Era Committee, who received the sole nomination from the Democratic Party of Korea for Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, stated on March 5, "This nomination reflects the will of our Democratic Party members and the residents of Gyeongsangnam-do, urging us to revive our province, which is increasingly being forgotten in terms of regional development." He added, "I believe the stern mandate from the people of Gyeongsangnam-do and party members is that we must take the lead in ensuring the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration in Gyeongsangnam-do as well as Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do."

Candidate Kim said, "This election is an important test to move beyond the one-pole structure centered on the capital region and open a new era of region-led growth, where local areas drive Korea's development." He continued, "Over the past eight months, I have served as chairman alongside President Lee Jaemyung, working to design a roadmap for a region-led growth system. Now is the time to turn that blueprint into concrete results." He also stated, "Gyeongsangnam-do is the root of the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region, and I will create a great transformation for Korea, starting from Gyeongsangnam-do."

Kim Kyungsoo, Chairman of the Local Era Committee, who was selected as the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, is speaking at a press conference announcing the results of the local election candidate nomination review held by the Central Party's Nomination Management Committee at the National Assembly on March 5, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding the fact that he was unable to complete his previous term as governor, he said, "I feel deeply apologetic and will repay that with progress." During the Q&A session with reporters, he added, "Regardless of the reasons, I am truly sorry to the residents for being unable to fulfill my term as governor, resulting in the interruption of provincial administration." He further stated, "Regardless of the truth behind the previous events, I sincerely apologize to the residents." He went on, "I will use this sense of regret as an opportunity to repay the residents, and do my utmost to ensure that Gyeongsangnam-do, which once spearheaded industrialization along the Gyeongbu Corridor, now leads growth in the era of artificial intelligence (AI)."

Candidate Kim said, "Balanced regional development has been a fateful task since the Participatory Government under former President Roh Moo-hyun, and it is one we have never let go of." He continued, "As chairman of the Local Era Committee in this administration, I was able to work to my heart's content, and I believe I have completed the blueprint and implementation system for the Five-Poles and Three-Special Zones plan. Now, the remaining task is to create successful models in local regions and on the ground."

Earlier, Lee Isu, head of the Democratic Party's nomination management committee, announced Kim as the sole Democratic Party candidate for Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do. Committee Chairman Lee said, "In the place where the dream of the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam megacity has collapsed, the Five-Poles and Three-Special Zones vision is now shining." He added, "Only those who understand President Lee Jaemyung's state philosophy and possess the DNA of balanced development can turn dreams into reality." He further introduced, "Candidate Kim, who has long upheld the Democratic Party flag in Gyeongsangnam-do, has experience successfully leading the provincial administration as governor and, upon the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, has excelled as chairman of the Local Era Committee, demonstrating the highest level of understanding of regional balance."

Jung Chungrae, leader of the Democratic Party, stated, "Candidate Kim Kyungsoo was the last secretary of the Participatory Government who served closely alongside the late former President Roh Moo-hyun." He added, "When former President Roh retired, Kim accompanied him to Bongha Village and, even after his passing, continued to uphold his loyalty and determination by remaining there. He understands the 'No-jjang' spirit better than anyone."

Previously, the Democratic Party also gave sole nominations to Woo Sangho, former Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, as candidate for Governor of Gangwon-do, and Park Chan-dae, Assemblyman, as candidate for Mayor of Incheon.

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