'Bimyeonggye' Kim Dong-yeon and Kim Kyung-soo Meeting... Will They Unite as Contenders Against Lee Jae-myung?

Kim Kyung-soo's Side "Contacted by Kim Dong-yeon's Side to Meet"
Gyeonggi Province "A Natural Meeting Not Planned"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with former Gyeongnam Province Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who is staying locally, during his business trip to Berlin, Germany last week. Both are mentioned as leading presidential candidates within the party's 'Bi-myeong-gye (non-Lee Jae-myung faction)' who could challenge Lee Jae-myung, the party leader.

According to Gyeonggi Province, Governor Kim Dong-yeon moved to Berlin on the 1st after receiving an official invitation from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Germany and attended a policy briefing held locally. Gyeonggi Province explained through a press release, "After the briefing ended, there was an unplanned, natural meeting with former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, who was staying in Germany." This meeting was held privately. Governor Kim had previously visited Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany from the 27th of last month for a 5-night, 7-day schedule.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former Governor Kim Kyung-soo was also invited by the same foundation. A representative from Kim’s side said, "After his visiting professor schedule at the London School of Economics, Kim Kyung-soo was invited by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Germany and is currently staying in Berlin," adding, "He has met with various figures visiting Germany." They further explained, "Governor Kim Dong-yeon contacted him, so they met," and emphasized, "There is no special political significance to be attributed to this meeting."

On August 13, Governor Kim Dong-yeon posted on Facebook regarding the reinstatement of former Governor Kim Kyung-soo on Liberation Day (August 15), stating, "I look forward to and support the stronger and deeper role of former Governor Kim," and added, "The political calculations in Yeouido surrounding his reinstatement should now stop."

Party leader Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to receive first trial verdicts on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and instructing false testimony on the 15th and 25th, respectively. Depending on the trial results, there is a possibility that members of the party’s Bi-myeong-gye faction may unite.