Kim Youngrok: "No Independent Candidacy"... Pledges Efforts for Success of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City

Stresses Commitment to Stand with the Democratic Party Until the End

Former candidate for Jeonnam Gwangju Special Mayor, Youngrok Kim, dismissed the possibility of running as an independent and instead emphasized his commitment to remaining with the Democratic Party of Korea and to playing a key role in the completion of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City project. This move is interpreted as a strong endorsement of unity over division, especially following recent internal party primaries.

On May 12, Kim held a press conference at the Jeonnam Provincial Council briefing room, stating, "I will stand with the Democratic Party of Korea until the end for the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration and the completion of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City."

Former Jeonnam Gwangju Special Mayor candidate Youngrok Kim held a press conference in the briefing room of the Jeonnam Provincial Council on the 12th, explaining the direction for the successful launch of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City. Photo by Jinseok Shim

Kim added, "Throughout this election process, a range of opinions and criticisms have emerged regarding the Democratic Party primary," once again referencing recent concerns about the fairness of the nomination process.

However, he clarified, "The recent criticisms of the two Democratic Party primaries stemmed from a place of affection for the party," and continued, "With a spirit of selfless dedication, I will do my best to ensure the success of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City."

He also dismissed the possibility of running as an independent by pointing to a related case in Jeonbuk.

He stated, "Cases of running as an independent, such as with Kwan Young Kim, former candidate for the Jeonbuk Governorship, are not desirable," emphasizing, "Now is the time for unity, not division."

This statement is widely interpreted as effectively putting an end to recent speculation within and outside the local political community about Youngrok Kim's potential independent candidacy.

Kim further remarked, "Only if the Lee Jaemyung administration succeeds will a 20 trillion won fiscal incentive become a reality for Jeonnam and Gwangju, and a new growth axis for the southern region of Korea will be established for the future of the area." He also pledged, "I will work to ensure that Jeonnam is not marginalized in the integration process."

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