Kim Du-kwan, Based in Yeongnam, Publicly Supports Lee Jae-myung... Is the Ruling Party Primary Race Tilting Further?

'Little Roh Moo-hyun' Kim Du-kwan Withdraws from Democratic Party Presidential Primary on 26th
"Support Governor Lee Jae-myung" Public Endorsement Declared
Attention on Voting Trends in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam on 2nd Next Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Democratic Party presidential candidate Kim Du-kwan withdrew from the Democratic Party presidential primary on the 26th. Known as the 'Little Roh Moo-hyun' and regarded as the original pro-Moon faction, Kim abruptly resigned from the candidacy and publicly declared his support for Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung. Going forward, Kim plans to focus on the regular National Assembly audit sessions.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the day, Kim announced on his Facebook, "It seems the time has come to end this long journey," and stated, "I am withdrawing from the primary race as of today."

Kim said, "Since I was 36 years old and served as Namhae County Governor, I have passionately dreamed of a country where local regions prosper, but I failed to gain much support from the people," adding, "I also could not fully represent the voices of local autonomy comrades. It is all due to my shortcomings."

He continued, "Some urged me to finish the race, and others suggested completing the primaries in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam next week," but emphasized, "I have decided to withdraw because something far more important than my completion is the reestablishment of the administration."

Kim stressed, "I am withdrawing solely for that (reestablishment of the administration)" and emphasized the 'One Team' principle.

Kim Du-gwan, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

He said, "Our strategy is, first, unity, and second, one team," expressing concern that "even when joining forces, winning is not easy, but divisions are deepening." He added, "At this rate, we can never win."

Kim then publicly declared his support for Governor Lee, urging people to back him.

Kim stated, "For our party's unity and victory, it is most important that candidate Lee Jae-myung secures a majority vote and is confirmed as the candidate without a runoff," and described Lee as "a capable leader who will pioneer the future of the Republic of Korea."

He also said, "Realistically, he is the only candidate who can overcome the opposition's challenge," and added, "He is also the candidate who best practices local autonomy and balanced development, which have been my lifelong dream and former President Roh Moo-hyun's aspiration. Now, I pass my dream of local autonomy to candidate Lee Jae-myung."

Finally, he urged party members and the public, "Please give overwhelming support with a majority to candidate Lee Jae-myung," and concluded, "I wish for Lee Jae-myung's victory."

A representative from Kim's camp said, "There have been many difficulties during the primary process, and Kim has given much thought to his withdrawal." They added, "Cooperation from Lee's camp at the campaign level has not yet been decided," and "Kim plans to take a break for a while and focus on the regular National Assembly audit sessions."

Kim began his political career by being elected Namhae County Governor in 1995. He earned the nickname 'Little Roh Moo-hyun' while serving as the first Minister of the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs under the Roh Moo-hyun administration in 2003 and is classified within the party as the 'original pro-Moon faction.' He also served as a political special advisor to the late President Roh Moo-hyun.

He was elected Governor of Gyeongnam Province in 2010 but resigned two years later to run for president. In 2016, he was elected as a member of the National Assembly representing the Gimpo district, and in 2020, he was re-elected in his current district, Yangsan, Gyeongnam.

Although Kim had previously declared his intention to run for president without dropping out midway, after long deliberation, he decided to step down from the candidacy.

Given Kim's political base in Yeongnam and his public endorsement of Governor Lee, the overwhelming support trend for Lee in the remaining Democratic Party primaries is expected to gain further momentum.

The Democratic Party will hold the remaining regional primaries on the 1st in Jeju (13,000 voters), the 2nd in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (62,000 voters), the 3rd in Incheon (22,000 voters), the 9th in Gyeonggi (164,000 voters), and the 10th in Seoul (144,000 voters).