Kim Bu-gyeom "Will Declare Candidacy for Party Leadership if National Assembly Normalizes"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum said on the 16th regarding his bid for party leadership, "Once the National Assembly is normalized and the standing committee formation is completed, I will reveal my vision and reasons for running at the right time."

At a press conference held at a cafe in Yeouido on the same day, Kim said, "Since the National Assembly is going through a difficult process, you would understand that it is hard to declare my candidacy immediately."

Earlier, there was speculation in political circles that Kim might make an official statement about his party leadership bid on the day when the meeting of his nationwide support group, 'Saehimang Forum,' was held.

Kim said, "At the Saehimang Forum, I gave a precise background explanation regarding various wordings (including remarks about giving up the presidential bid) that arose during the recent meeting between me and lawmaker Woo Won-shik. The representatives gathered from across the country today have largely cleared up misunderstandings."

He added, "I was criticized for the idea that a politician's fate or career path could suddenly come up without consultation. I explained the parts where the story was distorted and clarified my true intentions."

Regarding his intention to complete the two-year term as party leader, he explained, "You are well aware of that. It reflects the responsible politics I have pursued so far, and I intend to do my best in that spirit."

When asked if he planned to meet Lee Nak-yeon, the COVID-19 National Crisis Management Committee Chair and another party leadership contender, Kim replied, "If former Prime Minister Lee and I meet directly, it could be to finalize important matters. I want to say that I am being cautious about that."

Meanwhile, Kim appointed lawyer Kim Taek-soo, who previously served as Deputy Mayor of Daejeon and Secretary for Civil Society in the Participatory Government, as his spokesperson on the same day.