"I Hope My Reinstatement Becomes an Opportunity for a 'Greater Democratic Party'"
Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo rejoined the Democratic Party of Korea on the 7th after 3 years and 7 months.
The Democratic Party announced that it had approved Kim's application for reinstatement on the same day. Upon hearing the news of his reinstatement, Kim posted on Facebook, "I heard that I was reinstated today. It feels very new," adding, "I will start again with a renewed heart. I hope this will be a small step toward our party becoming a 'Greater Democratic Party.'
Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo (right) visited the National Assembly on December 5, 2024, and is seen greeting Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, after their meeting. Photo by Yonhap News
Party leader Lee Jae-myung welcomed former Governor Kim Kyung-soo, whose reinstatement application was approved, saying, "Let's create a better world together." On the 7th, Lee wrote on Facebook, "I welcome former Governor Kim Kyung-soo's reinstatement. Thank you for all your efforts so far." He continued, "I understand your affection for the party and your loyalty to the people and the country," and added, "I will also work hard for a greater Democratic Party."
Regarding the so-called Druking comment manipulation case, for which Kim was convicted by the Supreme Court in 2021 and was automatically expelled from the party, Lee expressed, "I have always felt sorry for the burden it placed on the party," and bowed his head, saying, "Once again, I apologize to our party members and supporters for causing concern."
Recently, Kim Kyung-soo, considered a successor to the pro-Moon Jae-in (Chinmoon) and pro-Roh Moo-hyun (Chinno) factions, had raised the level of criticism aimed at Lee, drawing attention to Lee's future efforts toward party unity.
On the 5th, Kim said on the radio that his demand for an apology regarding those who left the party due to recent conflicts with Lee was because "the Democratic Party needs to broaden its embrace. I asked Leader Lee Jae-myung for concrete actions toward inclusion and unity."
The day before, on the 4th, Kim pressured Lee, who has kept his distance from constitutional amendments, saying, "The end point of this impeachment should be a 'constitutional amendment' that fundamentally makes internal rebellion and martial law impossible."
On the same day, he raised his voice again, saying, "It didn't matter during the general election, but now we must directly embrace those who cannot return to the Democratic Party," and added, "To bring about a change of government, the Democratic Party must do everything it can now."
Previously, Kim was sentenced to two years in prison by the Supreme Court in July 2021 for manipulating online public opinion through comments with Kim Dong-won, known as 'Druking,' to help former President Moon Jae-in get elected. As a result, he lost his eligibility to run for office and was automatically expelled from the party.
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