[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea will contest the general election in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (PK) region with a two-top system featuring Representatives Kim Du-gwan (Gimpo Gap, Gyeonggi) and Kim Young-choon (Busanjin Gap). Although the Democratic Party had a landslide victory in the 2018 local elections after a long period of disadvantage in the region, recent support has somewhat declined.
Kim Du-gwan, known as the "Little Roh Moo-hyun," is moving from Gimpo to Yangsan to run, serving as a central figure for the entire Gyeongnam area, while Kim Young-choon, a three-term representative from Busan, will lead the election efforts in Busan.
On the 23rd, a Democratic Party lawmaker from the PK region said, "Although the party's election committee system has not yet been finalized, if regional election committee heads are appointed, Representatives Kim Du-gwan and Kim Young-choon will likely take charge of Gyeongnam and Busan, respectively."
Representative Kim Du-gwan has withdrawn his intention to run in his current district of Gimpo and, at the party's request, decided to run in Yangsan, Gyeongnam. On this day, he visited Gimpo to seek understanding. Yangsan holds symbolic significance as it is the location of President Moon Jae-in's residence, and the current Democratic Party representative Seo Hyung-soo has decided not to run there.
A Democratic Party lawmaker from the PK region said, "Kim Du-gwan, who served as governor of Gyeongnam, is the most prominent politician from the PK region," expressing expectations that "this will strengthen the Democratic Party." Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo has declared his candidacy for Miryang, Changnyeong, Uiryeong, and Haman, potentially setting up a showdown between former Gyeongnam governors.
Kim Young-choon, who is seeking his fourth term, is considered the senior figure of the Democratic Party in Busan. He served as the first Minister of Oceans and Fisheries under the Moon Jae-in administration and has focused on local issues such as the introduction of local currency and redevelopment of the North Port as the head of the Busan Oryukdo Research Institute. Recently, he has also served as the standing chairman of the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Megacity Vision Committee.
Kim was known as the "youngest" member of the Sangdo-dong faction aligned with former President Kim Young-sam. He was elected twice in Seoul Gwangjin Gap in the 16th and 17th general elections, then moved to Busanjin Gap, where he suffered one defeat before winning again in 2016.
The Democratic Party is expected to present a development strategy encompassing the entire PK region. Last week, Representative Kim Du-gwan met with Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyoung-soo, who said, "Gyeongnam is facing severe difficulties due to the downturn in the shipbuilding industry, and as a breakthrough, we need to establish a vision based on the megacity concept encompassing Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam." Representative Kim Young-choon is also focusing on preparing the megacity strategy.
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