Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam, Officially Announces Presidential Bid

Announced at New Year's press conference on the 5th
"Reinventing and Unifying Korea"
Pledges to complete race without alliances
Calls for major reforms through constitutional amendment

Kim Youngrok, governor of Jeonnam Province, who officially declared his candidacy for the presidential election.

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam, has officially announced his candidacy for the early presidential election. He also expressed his determination to see the race through to the end without forming alliances with other candidates or dropping out.

On the 5th, during a New Year's press conference held at the Jeonnam Provincial Government, Governor Kim stated, "I have decided to run for president to reinvent the Republic of Korea and achieve national unity," and added, "I will complete the race without forming alliances with specific candidates or engaging in negative campaigning."

He also reiterated the necessity of constitutional revision.

Governor Kim said, "The new government must carry out major reforms through constitutional amendment within the next three years," and added, "We must usher in the era of the 7th Republic before the 23rd National Assembly elections in 2028." He further explained, "The 1987 constitutional system cannot resolve the deepening political polarization, confrontation, and conflict."

Governor Kim proposed as an alternative a system in which the president handles diplomacy and national defense, while a responsible prime minister leads domestic affairs.

He has decided to remain in his position as governor while running in the primary.

He said, "There are predictions that the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial of President Yoon Sukyeol could conclude as early as early March. If that happens, the Democratic Party primary will also begin," and added, "Although it will be challenging to participate in the primary while serving as governor, I will make appropriate preparations, even if it means taking a leave of absence."

Governor Kim also stated, "I will focus on positive campaigning and policy debates rather than negative tactics," and added, "For now, my goal is a change of government. Some ask with whom I will form alliances, but I will go it alone until the end."