[Exclusive] Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo to Study in the UK on the 10th... 'Researching the Future of the Republic of Korea'

One-Year Stay as Visiting Professor at London School of Economics
Research Plans on Social Grand Compromise, Climate Change, and Political Party Reform

Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo is set to depart for the UK for studies this week. Due to the loss of his eligibility to run for office, which has restricted his political activities, Kim plans to meet with experts in Europe to research future structural reform plans for South Korea, including social grand compromise and climate crisis response.

According to political circles on the 8th, Kim will leave for the UK on the 10th by air. He is scheduled to stay for one year as a visiting professor at the London School of Economics (LSE), a prestigious university in the UK. While he mainly plans to stay in the UK, he is also considering visits to Germany, Ireland, and the Nordic countries.

Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo is paying respects at the late President Roh Moo-hyun's tomb in Bongha Village, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, on the morning of December 28 last year.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

A representative from Kim’s side stated, "Having been at the Blue House since the Participatory Government era, serving as a key figure in the Moon Jae-in administration, a member of the National Assembly, and a governor, Kim will focus on the crises and challenges South Korea has faced, as well as the political and social limitations we have failed to address, and will be interested in how to develop future-oriented agendas."

In particular, Kim plans to conduct research on cooperation and social grand compromise. A representative said, "Regarding South Korea’s structural reform, he intends to study cooperation models and social consensus," adding, "Besides the UK, he is also considering visiting countries such as Ireland, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, which are known for successfully pursuing social consensus, to meet relevant people." This reflects his intention to seek solutions to South Korea’s extreme political and social polarization in Europe.

Additionally, he plans to examine how European countries, which are leading in responding to climate change, are addressing these issues, to explore solutions applicable to South Korea. The representative explained, "Europe is ahead in responding to climate change and sustainable growth, and Kim plans to study national and industrial responses related to these areas," adding, "The climate crisis is both a crisis and an industrial opportunity. Through meetings with local stakeholders, he hopes to find new opportunities related to the climate crisis." Party innovation issues are also expected to be a key topic during Kim’s studies.

Kim Kyung-soo has been regarded within and outside the Democratic Party as the heir of the pro-Roh and pro-Moon factions and considered a potential presidential candidate. However, he has faced political setbacks due to his involvement in the Druking comment manipulation scandal. Although the Supreme Court acquitted him of charges related to violations of the Public Official Election Act in 2021, he was sentenced to two years in prison for computer-related obstruction of business, resulting in the loss of his governorship. He received a special pardon at the end of last year shortly before completing his sentence, but since his civil rights have not been restored, he remains ineligible to run in next year’s general election and the 2027 presidential election at this time.