"A Political Party Is Not a Temporary Shelter"... Democratic Party Dismisses Kang Jinwon's Reinstatement Proposal

by Sim Jinseok

Published 21 Apr.2026 13:41(KST)

The Democratic Party of Korea Jeonnam Provincial Party (hereinafter referred to as the Jeonnam Provincial Party) firmly stated on April 21 that it "cannot allow" the possibility of Kang Jinwon, an independent candidate who has declared his candidacy for Gangjin County governor, to be reinstated into the party.

The Jeonnam Provincial Party issued an emergency statement that day, criticizing, "Candidate Kang openly says he will return if he wins the election, even though he left the party of his own accord," and added, "This is an arrogant perception that treats the party as a tool for personal politics and is an insult to party members."

The party further emphasized, "A political party is not something to turn to only when needed, to leave when at a disadvantage, and to return when the situation becomes favorable," adding, "Remarks that treat reinstatement as a foregone conclusion are tantamount to denying party politics itself."

Logo of the Democratic Party Jeonnam Provincial Party.

The Jeonnam Provincial Party also took issue with Kang’s repeated history of leaving the party.

The party pointed out, "Kang left the party in 2016, ran as an independent after his nomination was revoked in 2022, and left again while facing disciplinary action in 2026," adding, "This proves that his decisions are based on personal gain or loss, not political conviction."

The Jeonnam Provincial Party further criticized, "This latest departure is nothing more than an attempt to evade party discipline and judgment," and stated, "Nonetheless, mentioning reinstatement after an election victory is a dangerous notion that treats the party as personal property."

The party continued, "The moment one rejects the party's principles and leaves, one must also take responsibility for that choice," declaring, "Discussing reinstatement based on election results itself is an act of deceiving both party members and voters."

Finally, the Jeonnam Provincial Party reiterated, "The Gangjin County governor election is about choosing the future of the region, not an individual’s political survival," and affirmed, "There will be no compromise regarding politics that abandons principles by leaving the party, departing to avoid disciplinary action, or presuming reinstatement after the election."