[Exclusive] Kim Jin-pyo to Lead Democratic Party Gyeonggi Election Headquarters

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Jin-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has been appointed as the election campaign committee chairman for the Gyeonggi region.

On the 19th, a Democratic Party official stated, "Kim, who served four terms in Suwon and held key government positions, will take charge as the Gyeonggi election campaign committee chairman and lead the regional election efforts."

Kim Kyung-hyup, the Democratic Party's first deputy secretary-general, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "We will announce the Gyeonggi election campaign committee chairman within today," adding, "Although discussions are not yet fully concluded, it is true that (Kim) is a strong candidate."

The Gyeonggi region is the largest metropolitan local government with 60 seats. It accounts for about one-quarter of the total 253 constituency seats nationwide. The general election results in Gyeonggi can be seen as a barometer of overall victory. In the last general election, the Democratic Party won 38 seats, but due to issues such as the so-called 'Cho Kuk incident,' the situation this time is uncertain. It is also a region with a relatively young voter base.

Kim served four consecutive terms in Suwon and has held positions such as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister for Education. At the end of last year, he was even mentioned as a candidate for Prime Minister.

The Democratic Party plans to launch the election campaign committee on the 20th. Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon will serve as co-chairman of the party's joint election campaign committee with party leader Lee Hae-chan. Former Governor Lee Kwang-jae will chair the Gangwon region, Kim Boo-kyum will chair Gyeongbuk, Kim Doo-kwan will chair Gyeongnam, and Kim Young-choon will chair the Busan region. The campaign committee chairpersons are responsible not only for their own constituencies but also for devising and leading election strategies in their assigned regions.