[Local Election Relay Interview] Kim Dong-yeon: "Gyeonggi-do is not a place to position Yoon's close aides"

Criticism of Candidates Kim Eun-hye and Yoo Seung-min
Regret Over Moon's Real Estate Policy Failure
Policy Pledges to Improve Housing Quality

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] In the highly contested Gyeonggi Province governor election on June 1, Kim Dong-yeon (representative of Saerounmulgyeol), the Democratic Party candidate, strongly criticized the potential competitors from the People Power Party, Yoo Seung-min and Kim Eun-hye.

Candidate Kim Dong-yeon for Governor of Gyeonggi Province. / Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 14th, Candidate Kim said, "Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min is called an 'economic expert,' but he has never directly managed the country's finances, and lawmaker Kim Eun-hye seems like an assassin sent by President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol," expressing this evaluation.

Candidate Kim emphasized, "They are symbols of vested interests who have never even gotten their hands dirty," adding, "Understanding ordinary people comes not from the 'head' but from the 'heart.'" He also stated, "The governor of Gyeonggi Province must be a person dedicated to provincial administration and the lives of residents, possessing ability and innovation," and expressed confidence by saying, "Whether it is former lawmaker Yoo or lawmaker Kim, whoever is chosen as the People Power Party candidate, I can win."

Regarding the two candidates rushing to meet Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and promoting 'Oh Se-hoon marketing' by emphasizing synergy within the same party, he remarked, "No matter which party's candidate becomes the Seoul mayor, I will frequently meet and discuss common interests," adding, "Having the Seoul mayor and Gyeonggi governor from the same party does not solve problems." He expressed, "What is much more important is how well one understands the interests of citizens and residents and whether one can properly coordinate interests with neighboring cities and provinces," and asserted, "Having crossed political lines to manage national affairs through communication and cooperation, I am the most suitable candidate."

He also expressed regret over the Moon Jae-in administration's 'real estate failures.' He said, "The biggest reason the real estate policy failed was because it ignored market demands and focused only on curbing speculation rather than supply," offering an apology as the initial Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. Candidate Kim stated, "The disappointment of many citizens due to the Moon administration's real estate policy failure was revealed in the last presidential election," and added, "I humbly accept this and apologize once again to the citizens who suffered." He predicted, "In this local election, the candidate who respects the people's desires and market demands and proposes a balanced real estate policy will be chosen by the residents."

Candidate Kim plans to actively implement real estate policies that improve housing quality, such as new towns, reconstruction, redevelopment, and remodeling if he becomes governor of Gyeonggi Province. He said, "There are many conflicting interests regarding new towns, reconstruction, and redevelopment," and added, "As governor, I will naturally listen first to the wishes of Gyeonggi residents and check whether there are any points conflicting with Gyeonggi's long-term future strategy." He promised economic revitalization by focusing on three areas: real estate and transportation issues, and job creation to revive the Gyeonggi regional economy. He said, "Having led innovative growth as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, I was regarded as the most business-friendly prime minister in the Moon administration," and added, "If chosen by Gyeonggi residents and become governor, I will be the most welcomed governor by businesspeople."

The Democratic Party and Saerounmulgyeol will complete the merger process at the Central Committee on the 15th and then proceed with interviews of Gyeonggi Province governor preliminary candidates to officially hold the party primary. Although there are movements within the party to form an 'anti-Kim Dong-yeon' coalition to check the 'rolling stone' Kim, Kim said, "This is an election difficult to win even if we unite and fight," and added, "Internal strife is undesirable." Regarding the ongoing controversy over the 'primary rules,' he stated, "I have never once said 'let's change the primary rules,'" and reiterated his position to follow and accept the Democratic Party's decision.