"I Will Be a Dad Not Embarrassed to Meet Again"... Kim Dong-yeon’s Election Ad Draws Attention

Candidate Kim Reveals Letter to Eldest Son Who Passed Away from Leukemia

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] The election advertisement "A Letter to My Son" by Kim Dong-yeon, the Democratic Party candidate for Governor of Gyeonggi Province, has created a great sensation since it was released on the evening of the 26th through the three major broadcasting stations and YouTube.

In the advertisement, candidate Kim appeared and expressed his thoughts on running for governor of Gyeonggi Province by writing a letter to his son who passed away from leukemia in October 2013.

In the letter, Kim told his son, "Dad was a young breadwinner worried about meals, but I wanted you and our youth to live in a country with fair opportunities," and added, "During my 34 years in public service, I did my best to fulfill the duties of a public official, which you were so proud of."

He continued, "After leaving public office, during my time as president of Ajou University, I wanted to do for our youth what I wished I could have done for you," and added, "Among those young people, I wanted to find your image, who is no longer in this world."

After assuming the presidency of Ajou University, candidate Kim established various programs for students in the most difficult circumstances, such as the emergency living support fund called 'Ajou Hope SOS' and the overseas study support program 'After You.' He also introduced the 'Blue Semester System,' which allows students to choose their desired fields of study to learn and explore independently.

In closing, candidate Kim wrote, "I want to make this place, Gyeonggi Province, where I lived with you for a long time, a place full of opportunities and fairness," and concluded the letter by saying, "I will be a father you won’t be ashamed of when we meet again."

The advertisement surpassed 5,000 views after being released on YouTube, with supportive and encouraging comments continuing to pour in.

A member of Kim’s campaign team explained the background of the advertisement, saying, "This ad was planned to sincerely convey Kim Dong-yeon’s integrity and innovativeness to voters," and emphasized, "It is by no means an attempt to exploit emotions by using a deceased child for votes."

Meanwhile, Kim resigned from his position as head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination the year after his son’s passing (2014), but he declined all offers from major law firms and moved to become president of Ajou University in 2015.