Kim Kyoung-soo enters race with Roh's Sejong-centered vision
Kim Kyoung-soo, former governor of South Gyeongsang Province, announced his presidential bid on Sunday in Sejong -- the de facto administrative capital of South Korea -- in a symbolic gesture, becoming the fourth contender from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea.
Kim stressed the need for political and institutional reforms to prevent the recurrence of presidential overreach, citing disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on Dec. 3 last year, which led to his removal by the Constitutional Court in early April.
'To ensure that tragic events like a martial law attempt never happen again, we must reform our political system to enable power-sharing, oversight and checks,' Kim said during his campaign launch event at Sejong City Hall in Sejong, south of Seoul, proposing a constitutional revision to that end.
'During the first 400 days of my administration, through public deliberation and debate, we will make constitutional reform a reality in time for the next local elections (in 2026),' he added.
Kim's choice of Sejong as the location for his campaign launch also held symbolic weight.
Sejong was envisioned by former President Roh Moo-hyun, Kim's political mentor, as a new administrative capital to ease the overconcentration of power, infrastructure and population in Seoul and to promote balanced national development. Since its establishment in 2012, many government ministries and agencies have relocated there — with a few exceptions, including the presidential office, which remains in Seoul.
Building on this legacy, Kim unveiled a broader decentralization initiative aimed at reviving national growth and empowering regions beyond the capital.
'Instead of the Seoul-centered system, we must create five mega cities across the country,' Kim said. 'Through administrative reorganization, we will establish autonomous governments in each mega city to lead the nation's development.' He pledged to allocate over 30 trillion won annually to support their financial autonomy.
Kim also vowed to fully relocate the presidential office from Seoul to Sejong. 'We can no longer use Yongsan, a symbol of insurrection, as the presidential office,' he said.
Kim is considered a political heir to former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in. He served as Roh's final presidential secretary and later played a central role in Moon's administration as a chief speechwriter and strategist during the 2017 presidential campaign.
Kim was elected governor of South Gyeongsang Province in 2018, but his political ascent was interrupted by legal troubles.
In 2021, Kim was sentenced to two years in prison for colluding with a power blogger known as 'Druking' to manipulate online opinion in favor of Moon's 2017 campaign — a conviction that led to the loss of his governorship and Democratic Party membership.
Kim was granted a presidential pardon in December 2022 under the Yoon administration, alongside former President Lee Myung-bak. However, his eligibility to run for office was not restored until August 2024, following that year's general elections in April. He rejoined the Democratic Party in February this year.
However, Kim currently trails other Democratic Party candidates in public support.
According to a Media Research poll conducted Tuesday and Wednesday on 1,000 respondents, Lee Jae-myung led with 87.9 percent support among Democratic Party voters, followed by Kim Dong-yeon with 2.5 percent and Kim Kyoung-soo with 2.4 percent.
Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the party's leading presidential hopeful, announced his candidacy on Thursday, followed by Kim Dong-yeon, governor of Gyeonggi Province, and Kim Doo-kwan, a former Democratic Party lawmaker. The latter two, along with Kim Kyoung-soo, are widely regarded as key figures in the party's anti-Lee faction.
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Korea Herald
2 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Lee heads to G7 Summit to manifest Seoul's stability, integrity
Liberal president makes debut trip to Canada to signal stability, reaffirm US alliance President Lee Jae-myung departed for Canada on Monday afternoon, Seoul time, to attend the Group of Seven summit, marking his first appearance on the global stage since taking office just under two weeks ago. Seoul officials are presenting the trip as both a symbolic debut for the newly elected liberal president and the starting point of a foreign policy doctrine centered on 'pragmatism.' Lee's presence at the G7, only two weeks after his victory in the early election on June 3, is widely viewed as a message to the international community that South Korea has turned the page on recent domestic unrest. His meetings with global leaders — particularly US President Donald Trump — are being closely watched for signs of how Seoul will navigate the complex dynamics between Washington and Beijing, as well as upcoming US-led tariff negotiations with key trade partners, including South Korea. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a briefing hours before Lee's departure that his participation would 'enhance South Korea's international standing by informing the world about the greatness of South Korean citizens who overcame the fallout from the martial law declaration and insurrection,' referring to the political crisis under former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kang also emphasized the resilience of what she described as 'K-democracy.' Democratic Party Rep. Han Min-soo echoed the sentiment, saying the G7 invitation itself demonstrated that the international community recognizes South Korea's democratic recovery and institutional strength. 'It's a sign of trust and support,' he said. The summit is also expected to be the first time the leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan have met in person since political transitions in all three countries reshaped the architecture of trilateral security cooperation in East Asia. Gone are the days when Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea, Joe Biden of the United States and Fumio Kishida of Japan -- predecessors of the three incumbent leaders -- projected optimism about trilateral cooperation, capped by the Camp David summit in 2023, which emphasized joint deterrence against North Korea and deepened economic coordination. That vision, symbolized in the Camp David declaration, has since been upended by political shifts across all three nations. President Lee, who was the final member of the trio to take office following the inaugurations of Japan's Shigeru Ishiba in October and US President Donald Trump in January, now faces the delicate task of ensuring policy continuity despite ideological differences. As opposition leader during Yoon's presidency, Lee had been a vocal critic of the conservative administration. But as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, and now as president, Lee has consistently pledged to uphold the 'ironclad' alliance with Washington, maintain constructive ties with Tokyo, and preserve trilateral cooperation as a cornerstone of Seoul's foreign policy. According to the presidential office Sunday, Seoul remains open to holding three-way talks with the US and Japan on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Analysts say Lee's challenge in Canada is not only to introduce himself to fellow G7 leaders but also to assure Trump that he can be a reliable counterpart — one who will continue core strategic agendas and not let political turnover in Seoul cast down on the consistancy of the alliance. "It's a crucial moment for Lee to present himself as a stable and pragmatic partner for Washington," one foreign policy expert said. "In the past, Washington has had a sort of prejudice against left-leaning governments in South Korea," said Kim Heung-kyu, professor of political science and director of the US-China Policy Institute at Ajou University. In the past, the election of liberal presidents in South Korea has led to Seoul taking a different approach on existing plans with Washington. For example, when former liberal President Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, uncertainties arose in terms of the continuity of a planned deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launchers, an anti-missile system, on the Korean Peninsula. Also under the Moon administration, ties between Seoul and Tokyo hit their lowest point after Seoul moved to scrap the so-called "comfort women agreement" between Moon's predecessor Park and the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, saying the pact did not reflect the wishes of the people. "The US might have preconceptions about the Lee administration's mantra of 'pragmatism' in diplomacy. At least, if (the US) can remove that doubt (during the bilateral talks), I think it will be a huge achievement," Kim said. The idea could resonate with Wi Sung-lac, Lee's top security adviser. In his book published in 2020, when Wi was a retired career diplomat after serving as the South Korean ambassador to Russia until 2015, he stressed South Korea's need to "sympathize with the threat that the US is facing and maintain the willingness to act as an ally." South Korea's assurance 'will be an asset to persuade the US at a critical moment," Wi also noted. Balancing act While all eyes are on whether South Korea's Lee will take part in the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in the Netherlands as well, there are mixed views over whether Lee's presence at both multilateral summits might be unfavorable to South Korea's relationship with China. Lee's office has yet to unveil whether he would attend the NATO summit. Kim of Ajou University said while China is unlikely to voice concerns about South Korea's participation in the G7 summit, given that it is an economic forum, the same is unlikely to hold for his anticipated participation in the NATO summit next week. Lee's office has not confirmed his attendance at NATO. "It would be a bit burdensome for our president to join the NATO members if their joint statements send hostile messages against Russia and China," Kim said. "Under such extraordinary circumstances, South Korea should remain an observer and play the role of (the observer)." However, Lee Shin-wha, professor of political science and international relations at Korea University, said President Lee's presence at both summits could increase South Korea's bargaining power in dealing with China, because South Korea can demonstrate that it frequents such multilateral summits. "There is some speculation that Lee should not attend the NATO summit because of (South Korea's relations with) China, but I don't think so," professor Lee said. While President Lee is scheduled to attend the G7's expanded session Tuesday, local time, and hold bilateral meetings, his national security adviser Wi declined to confirm which leaders Lee would meet during the visit. But Lee's office said that he "might have a chance" to sit down for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The G7 summit is a forum comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union is also a member. Along with South Korea, this year's event features the leaders of India, Ukraine, Mexico, South Africa and the United Nations. During the expanded G7 session Tuesday, local time, Lee is to deliver remarks on achieving resilience in energy-related supply chains through diversification and on Seoul's role in forging a global artificial intelligence ecosystem, according to the presidential office.
Korea Herald
2 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Anti-North Korea leaflet launches will end if Lee meets us, say abductee families
A South Korean civic group representing families of abductees held in North Korea said it would halt the distribution of anti-Pyongyang leaflets if President Lee Jae-myung takes steps to confirm the abductees' survival and meets with their families. Choi Sung-ryong, head of the Association of the Families of Those Abducted by North Korea, held a news conference on Monday in front of the government complex in Seoul, as the Lee administration cracks down on the sending of anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets across the inter-Korean border. Choi warned that the group would resume sending anti-North Korea leaflets — detailing information about South Koreans abducted after the 1950-53 Korean War — either by balloon or even using drones. The leaflets also include the phrase, "If only Kim Jong-un disappears, our abductees will return.' Choi called on President Lee to meet with the families of the abductees — including Kim Tae-ok, the mother of Lee Min-gyo, who was abducted by North Korea in August 1977, and Kim Sun-rye, the mother of Hong Geon-pyo, who was abducted in August 1978. Both abductees were students at the time. 'If President Lee Jae-myung meets with the two mothers of the students abducted to North Korea and offers them words of comfort, I will stop sending leaflets,' Choi said. 'And not just leaflets. I will also stop other acts of hostility toward North Korea. I ask once again.' The Association of the Families of Those Abducted by North Korea dispersed leaflets on April 27, as well as in May and on June 2, despite repeated requests from the Unification Ministry to exercise restraint. On June 9, the Unification Ministry publicly expressed regret over the group's launch of anti-North Korea leaflets and 'strongly urged' an end to such actions, signaling a shift in stance on the issue under President Lee Jae-myung's administration. Choi underscored that 'our request is simply to verify whether our loved ones are alive through inter-Korean dialogue — and yet the authorities treat us like criminals.' 'Dialogue between the two Koreas needs to happen first. And when it does, we're not even asking for their return right away — we're just saying, let's start by confirming whether they're alive,' Choi said. Choi challenged the rationale behind the Lee administration's decision to ban anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets, which had previously been deemed legal by the courts. 'I won both the first and second trials. The Constitutional Court ruled that this is a matter of freedom of expression. But such rulings have been completely ignored,' Choi told reporters. The Constitutional Court ruled the anti-leaflet law unconstitutional in September 2023, nullifying a provision in the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act that banned such activity. In March 2025, the Seoul High Court also rejected an injunction seeking to halt leaflet campaigns by North Korean activist groups, including one representing families of abductees. In response, the Unification Ministry in Seoul on Monday said the ministry will 'give full consideration to the voices of the families of abductees by North Korea.' 'The Unification Ministry will make its utmost efforts to create conditions for resolving the issue, including the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue,' Koo Byoung-sam, the ministry's spokesperson, said during a televised briefing Koo concurrently admitted that Seoul 'has not previously raised such a matter through the inter-Korean Red Cross channel,' referring to the main communication channel between the two Koreas for discussing humanitarian issues, including the reunions of separated families. However, Koo said the government's 'request to halt leaflet launches does not violate the Constitutional Court's decision, considering the management of the Korean Peninsula situation and the lives and safety of the people.' The South Korean government held an interagency meeting at 10 a.m. on Monday at the government complex in Seoul to discuss the establishment of a comprehensive, pan-government response regarding anti-North Korean leaflet distribution, including preventive measures and punitive measures as instructed by the President, according to the Unification Ministry. The meeting, presided over by Deputy Minister for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs at the Unification Ministry Kang Jong-suk, was attended by working-level officials from the Prime Minister's Office; the National Intelligence Service; the Ministry of the Interior and Safety; the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; and the National Police Agency. The meeting was held at the order of Lee after an unidentified civic group launched anti-North Korea leaflets on Ganghwa Island early Saturday morning.
Korea Herald
5 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Promoting sustainable, innovative growth in local industries
The Korea Herald republishes a weekly legislative report by local law firm DR & AJU LLC to provide the latest information on bills approved, proposed, pending and set to be promulgated. — Ed. Proposed Bill: Act on the Establishment and Operation of the Southeastern Regional Industrial Investment Corporation Proposed by Rep. Min Byoung-dug (Democratic Party of Korea) ● This bill would establish the Southeastern Regional Industrial Investment Corporation to boost industrial competitiveness and support the sustainable growth of local businesses, with approximately 3 trillion won ($2.2 billion) in capital contributed by public institutions. Proposed Bill: Partial Amendment to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act Proposed by Rep. Cha Gyu-geun (Rebuilding Korea Party) and Rep. Kim Hyun-jung (Democratic Party of Korea) ● The current Act requires investors holding 5 percent or more of a listed company's shares, or making a 1 percentage point change in shareholding thereafter, to report their shareholding and purpose to financial authorities if the intent is to influence management. This bill would narrow the broad phrase 'to influence management' to 'to substantially influence effective control,' aiming to protect minority shareholders' voting rights. Pending Bill: Special Act on Strengthening Competitiveness and Promoting Innovative Growth in the Semiconductor Industry Proposed by Rep. Lee Chul-gyu (People Power Party) ● This bill proposes allowing swift infrastructure support and exempting research and development workers in the semiconductor industry from the 52-hour weekly work limit with mutual agreement, aiming to enhance the industry's global competitiveness. Promulgated Bill: Special Act on Underground Safety Management Competent Authority: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport ● Effective May 27, the amended law will authorize the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to conduct onsite inspections to assess the safety management of underground facilities and surrounding ground in areas at risk of ground subsidence Administrative Announcement: Partial Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act ● In line with the recent amendment to the Personal Information Protection Act regarding the domestic agent system, this draft amendment specifies the scope of entities subject to the domestic agent requirement. For queries about the bills, contact cr@ koreadherald@
