Kim Dong-yeon: "Arrest and Punishment, Ending Rebellion Are the Only Ways to Revive the Economy and Enhance Credibility"

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, urged the swift end of the internal conflict to enhance South Korea's international credibility. He also emphasized the need to appoint an 'Economic Ambassador with Full Authority' who holds appropriate authority to improve international credibility.

At a New Year's press briefing held at a restaurant in Suwon on the 13th, Governor Kim stated, "The first step to restoring (South Korea's) international credibility is the end of the internal conflict," and lamented, "President Yoon is not only undermining democracy and the rule of law but is also dividing the country into two through messages from the presidential residence."

He added, "In the current situation, arrests, trials, and the end of the internal conflict are the first paths to revive the economy and raise international credibility."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is speaking at the '2025 New Year Press Conference' on the 13th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province

He continued, "Immediately after the declaration of martial law, I sent letters to over 2,500 global political and economic leaders, and afterward, I also sent letters to thousands of Gyeonggi Province-related business partners and tourism companies," pointing out, "However, it seems to be a very big problem that there is no authority figure within the South Korean government with appropriate authority to enhance international credibility."

In particular, he argued, "An Economic Ambassador with Full Authority should be appointed through a ruling-opposition-government agreement, and this ambassador should be responsible for foreign relations with figures like Trump."

Furthermore, he stated, "I will attend the Davos Forum this weekend. This is my second time following last year," and promised, "(I) believe I practically hold the qualifications to be South Korea's most realistic representative as a person responsible. At the Davos Forum, I will meet with Western media as well as many political and economic leaders to emphasize South Korea's economic potential and resilience."