[2023 Click Political Figures] Kim Kyung-soo Finds 'Freedom'... What Is the Next Step?

Unable to run in next year's general election or next presidential election
Significant expectations for roles within the party
Possibility of taking time for studying or overseas education

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Political circles are focusing on the movements of former Gyeongsangnam-do Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who was freed by a special year-end pardon. While some speculate that Kim could serve as a kind of "focal point" within the opposition camp, there are also predictions that no visible actions will be taken for the time being. It is also expected that he will spend time honing himself by studying abroad or meeting with experts.

Kim was pardoned on the 28th of last month. Since his sentence was originally set to expire in May this year, his prison term was effectively shortened by about five months against his will. Regarding being pardoned alongside former President Lee Myung-bak under the pretext of national unity, he remarked, "This pardon is like receiving an unwanted gift by force," adding, "People know much better that unity cannot be achieved through such one-way, coercive actions."

However, this pardon only exempts the remaining prison term and does not restore his civil rights, meaning his eligibility to run for office is restricted until May 2028, five years after the original sentence expiration date. This means he cannot run in next year's general election or the following presidential election.

Nevertheless, expectations within the party for Kim, who has long been regarded as the legitimate heir of the pro-Roh and pro-Moon factions, remain high. During former President Roh Moo-hyun's administration, he served as the speech planning secretary and public relations secretary at the Blue House. After Roh's retirement, he moved to Bongha Village and earned the nickname "Roh Moo-hyun's last secretary."

Later, he knocked on the door of Busan and Gyeongnam (PK), traditionally a weak area for the Democratic Party, and won the Gimhae-eul constituency in the 20th general election. He also made history by becoming the first Democratic Party member to be elected governor of Gyeongsangnam-do. However, during the 19th presidential election when Moon Jae-in was elected, he was criminally punished and imprisoned due to the "Druking opinion manipulation incident."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim's greatest asset is that he is a representative "heir" of the traditional mainstream Democratic Party, with support bases extending from former Presidents Roh and Moon. Moreover, considering the Democratic Party's presidential victory formula, which combines absolute support from Honam with some success in PK, Kim's experience as governor of Gyeongsangnam-do gives him a significant strategic advantage. This factor also made the question of whether Kim would be reinstated a matter of intense interest.

Inside and outside the party, interpretations of Kim's future role vary widely?from views that he could become a focal point for the pro-Moon camp to check Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, to opinions that he might support Lee. However, voices within the party largely suggest that he will observe the situation without any special political moves for the time being.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A Democratic Party official close to Kim said, "For the time being, Kim has no plans for political activities," adding, "I understand he will study by meeting various experts." The official also noted, "Many say it would be good for him to study abroad," explaining, "If he stays in the country, political discussions might arise, so there is talk of going abroad." Another official said, "Kim himself is not someone who breaks through situations," adding, "His role could change depending on how objective circumstances evolve, so it is a cautious matter."

Democratic Party lawmaker Shin Dong-geun said, "There is no talk yet about him playing any role in next year's general election," adding, "It is also not the right time to dichotomize between pro-Moon and pro-Lee factions as in the past." Shin predicted, "(Kim) is a major figure in the flow connecting Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in," and said, "It may be difficult for him to play a role in practical politics immediately, but because of his political weight, he will have a role."