Kim Du-kwan "Booing when mentioning presidential candidates Kim Boo-kyum and Kim Dong-yeon... I don't understand"

Kim Du-kwan, a candidate for the next leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea running in the August 18 nationwide party member convention, stated, "During the joint speech session, a prominent presidential candidate was mentioned, but there were jeers. It is difficult to understand such provocations."

On the morning of the 5th, after concluding a 'Korean Peninsula Peace Press Conference' at the National Assembly Communication Office, Kim met with reporters and mentioned the 'diversification of presidential candidates.' He said, "Candidate Lee's approval rating of 90% has collapsed, but if it remains above 80%, the Democratic Party leader and the presidential candidate will both be Candidate Lee, won't they?" He added, "In the first debate, I asked if the reason Candidate Lee is aiming for re-election is to prevent other candidates from entering the presidential race." He continued, "During the speech session, I mentioned prominent figures within the party such as former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum and Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, but there were jeers saying it was nonsense. I find that hard to understand."

Kim Du-kwan, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, is speaking at a policy proposal press conference on the peace crisis on the Korean Peninsula at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 5th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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On the previous day, during the Jeonnam regional tour primary, Kim said, "If I become the leader, I will allow many candidates, including Candidate Lee Jae-myung, Kim Boo-kyum (former Prime Minister), Kim Kyung-soo (former Governor of South Gyeongsang Province), Kim Dong-yeon (Governor of Gyeonggi Province), and Lee Tan-hee (former lawmaker), to compete in good faith." Furthermore, he stated, "What meaning is there in winning a battle but losing the war? I will make our party a festival ground to reclaim power."

Regarding the backlash from attendees to these remarks, he said sharply, "Isn't it too scary? Are you saying to endorse Candidate Lee?" He added, "I came out to avoid that. There is no reason to provoke."

Kim also referred to the 'difference in thinking' between delegates and party members with voting rights. He said, "Delegates are long-standing party members, and many among them expressed worries and concerns." He added, "Some joined as far back as former President Kim Dae-jung's era and as recently as former President Roh Moo-hyun's time, and they feel that the current party situation is significantly damaging diversity and democracy." He judged that the yet-to-be-announced delegate election results would differ from the already announced online voting results of party members with voting rights. The Democratic Party elects its leader by reflecting 14% from delegate votes, 56% from party members' votes, and 30% from general public opinion polls."

Kim Du-kwan, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, is speaking at a policy proposal press conference on the peace crisis on the Korean Peninsula at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 5th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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Regarding the 'reason for the rise in support in Honam,' Kim responded, "I think they supported me from the perspective of balancing things out." He added, "Honam is the heart of the Democratic Party, and the party has always created regimes centered on Honam. Since Candidate Lee has received overwhelmingly one-sided support, they probably thought that would not greatly help the future of the Democratic Party." Furthermore, he said, "I will do my best until the end to prepare well and fight hard."

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