Kim Kyungsoo: "We Must Heal Divisions by Uniting with Those Who Supported Impeachment"

"Unification of Democratic Forces,
Expansion Beyond the Democratic Party Needed"

On the morning of the 24th, Kim Kyungsoo, former governor of Gyeongnam and considered a presidential candidate from the non-Lee Jae-myung faction of the Democratic Party, spoke after paying respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

Kim Kyungsoo, former governor of South Gyeongsang Province and a presidential hopeful from the non-Lee Jae-myung faction within the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 24th, "Any political force that supports impeachment and agrees to protect democracy in the Republic of Korea must come together." He urged for the unification of democratic forces, saying, "The coalition of impeachment and democracy forces must not only work together during elections but also in state administration to heal conflicts."

After paying respects at the May 18 National Cemetery in Gwangju on this day, Kim stated, "The coalition of impeachment and democracy forces working together not only during elections but also in the administration of the next government is the 'Korean-style coalition government.' Only then can we achieve a Republic of Korea capable of healing today's conflicts."

Regarding the reason for his visit to Gwangju, he explained, "It was truly heartbreaking and regrettable that a rally opposing impeachment, organized by forces sympathetic to insurrection, was held in Gwangju on the 15th. I came to express my apologies to the spirits of May and to pledge to build a future that can unite a divided Republic of Korea."

Kim, who also visited the Jeju Air passenger crash site and the May 18 Cemetery on January 1, added, "The situation seems very different now compared to then. At this moment, it is urgent to consider how to heal the wounds and conflicts of the impeachment process. I want to make a commitment for the future here in Honam, the root of democracy."

On the need to broaden the Democratic Party's base, he emphasized, "We must go beyond the party's own unity and move toward a grand coalition and alliance where all democratic forces can come together. I promise to play any role I can on that path."