Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam, Declares Presidential Bid, Vowing Revival of Honam Politics

Revealed at a Meeting with Gwangju and Jeonnam Journalists at the National Assembly on the 3rd
Explained, "I Have Witnessed Much of the Political Alienation Felt by Honam"
Also Pointed Out the Need for Reform Amid Increasing Political Polarization in Korea

Kim Youngrok Jeonnam Governor

As the possibility of an early presidential election grows amid the political turmoil surrounding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam, has hinted at a presidential bid, drawing significant public attention. He also presented the revival of Honam politics as a key rationale.

On the 3rd, Governor Kim held a meeting with journalists from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions at the National Assembly, where he stated, "I have made up my mind (to run for president)."

While he said that the timing of an official declaration and announcement would depend on the situation, he effectively announced his candidacy by emphasizing the need to "restore Honam politics," demonstrating his sincerity toward the presidency.

Governor Kim stressed, "I have witnessed too much of the sense of alienation Honam has felt in politics," and added, "It's not about pursuing regionalism, but about moving toward a political system that can accommodate various opinions. There is a need to reform the current political situation, which is heading toward polarization."

Meanwhile, following the anti-constitutional December 3 insurrection, Governor Kim has continued to voice criticism of the Yoon administration and the ruling party through social media and other channels. Given his typically quiet image, this unusual move is being interpreted as a sign that he is seriously considering a presidential run.

Governor Kim, who passed the civil service exam, previously served as Vice Governor of Jeonnam and was elected as a member of the National Assembly for the 18th and 19th terms. In 2017, he served as the first Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under the Moon Jae-in administration and is classified as a pro-Moon figure within the Democratic Party. In the 2022 local elections, he demonstrated his strength by being the only metropolitan governor from the party to win re-election.