Jeonbuk in Turmoil... Kim Kwan-young Faces Expulsion from Party, May Run as Independent

On SNS, Kim Says "I Will Calmly Seek a Path Forward"

Democratic Party Primary to Be a Two-Way Race Between Lee Wontak and Ahn Hoyoung

The Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council expelled Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young over allegations of cash handouts, but as the possibility of him running as an independent becomes increasingly likely, the election landscape in Jeonbuk is entering a state of upheaval.

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Governor Kwan-young Kim, who is embroiled in suspicion of cash distribution, stated on the 1st at the provincial office to reporters, "I gave proxy fees to young people and then recovered them," adding, "I will explain the facts as they are to the party's Ethics Inspection Team." Photo by Yonhap News

On April 2, Governor Kim posted on social media, "Although my actions stemmed from goodwill toward young people, I corrected the issue immediately upon recognizing the problem. I tried to explain sincerely and stand up again," adding, "The party made its decision without even giving me a proper opportunity to explain the situation. I am devastated."

Previously, on the night of April 1, the Democratic Party's Supreme Council expelled Governor Kim. Kang Junghyun, the party's chief spokesperson, announced the outcome of the meeting, saying, "As evidence of Governor Kim's provision of money was identified, the Supreme Council unanimously decided to expel him."

Governor Kim is reported to have given a total of 680,000 won after having dinner with about 15 young people in Jeonbuk at the end of November last year, providing 20,000 won for Jeonju, 50,000 won for Gunsan, and 100,000 won for Jeongeup and Gochang as proxy driving fees depending on the distance.

Regarding the expulsion, Governor Kim commented, "It felt as if even the achievements and future aspirations of Jeonbuk were being denied," and added, "Although the party cast me out into the wilderness, I will not abandon my responsibilities to the province's residents." He continued, "Even amid great pain and wounds, I will remain steadfastly focused on provincial administration and calmly seek a path forward."

If Governor Kim is unable to participate in the Democratic Party's Jeonbuk gubernatorial primary, the possibility of him running as an independent remains. The party's primary is expected to be a two-way race between lawmakers Lee Wontak and Ahn Hoyoung. However, if Governor Kim, who leads in various opinion polls, chooses to run as an independent, the dynamics of the Jeonbuk gubernatorial race are likely to change dramatically.

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