The Return of 'Pro-Moon Legitimate Successor' Kim Kyung-soo: Will He Shake Lee Jae-myung's Solo Dominance? [Presidential Election Contender]⑧

Sudden Return from Germany During Studies
Likely to Stay in Korea Until Constitutional Court Decision
"Starting a New Chapter for the Republic of Korea"

Kim Kyung-soo, the former governor of Gyeongnam Province known as the "true heir of the pro-Moon faction," rushed back to Korea on the 3rd after President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law. Kim, who was studying in Germany, had originally planned to return in February next year. Although his return was earlier than planned, Kim intends to stay in Korea for the time being until the Constitutional Court makes a final decision on the impeachment motion against President Yoon. Can he shake the dominant leadership of Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea?

After returning on the 5th, Kim paid a visit to former President Moon Jae-in. Prior to that, he also met with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung at the National Assembly. When asked by reporters about his potential presidential run after meeting Speaker Woo, Kim said, "Are you trying to strike while the iron is hot?" but left room by adding, "I will look for what role I can play with the citizens." Kim, who was sentenced to two years in prison for the 'Druking comment manipulation' case and served his sentence, was reinstated by a special pardon on Liberation Day. If the impeachment motion is accepted and an early presidential election is held, Kim could use this opportunity to make a political comeback.

Kim showed his presence by participating in candlelight rallies calling for impeachment. On the 14th, when the second vote on the impeachment motion was scheduled following the one on the 7th, he participated in an event distributing cold weather supplies in front of Yeouido Park, expanding his connection with the public. After the impeachment motion passed in the National Assembly, Kim stated on his social media, "The people and the National Assembly have corrected the wheels of history that were turning backward," adding, "This is just the beginning. Now is the time to consider a new framework for the Republic of Korea." A representative from Kim’s side said, "Until the impeachment process is completed and the government returns to normal, he has decided to be with the people," and added, "He will mainly stay in Seoul and meet many people to listen to various opinions on how to restore democracy."

At this point, it is undeniable that Lee Jae-myung is the leading presidential candidate of the opposition. However, Lee faces 'judicial risks.' Among five judicial risks, the trial for violating the Public Official Election Act resulted in a guilty verdict last month in the first trial, with a prison sentence that strips him of his eligibility to run for office for 10 years. If the sentence is upheld in the second and final trials, Lee’s presidential candidacy will become impossible. In the worst case, the candidate could be replaced just before the election. This means that there is still room for opposition hopefuls, including Kim Kyung-soo, to challenge the presidential election.