Breaking Away from a Quiet and Dignified Image
Delivering Strong Messages Daily via Social Media
Gaining Public Attention with Refreshing and Direct Remarks
Solidifying His Position as a Presidential Contender
Significance as a New Honam Leader Amid a Crisis of Democracy
The recent actions of Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, have drawn significant attention. Although he has usually been regarded as quiet and dignified, he has recently been making a series of outspoken remarks on domestic politics following President Yoon Sukyeol's declaration of martial law. Since announcing his bid for the presidency, he has been solidifying his position as another form of strongman leader.
On the 12th, Governor Kim and the Jeollanam-do Mayors and County Governors Association held a press conference in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Sukyeol.
Governor Kim stated, "Today marks exactly 100 days since the illegal martial law of December 3 occurred," and emphasized, "On that urgent night of martial law, Yoon Sukyeol carried out a praetorian coup, directly challenging the constitutional order and the people of the Republic of Korea, all in front of a nationwide live broadcast."
He continued, "The longer the Constitutional Court delays its decision on impeachment, the deeper the national turmoil will become. The Constitutional Court, as the last bastion of democratic constitutionalism, must immediately dismiss Yoon Sukyeol with a sense of historic duty and extraordinary responsibility," he asserted.
Following the illegal martial law incident of December 3, Governor Kim's sharp criticisms and remarks have become a rallying point for those in favor of Yoon's impeachment.
Recently, Governor Kim posted on his social media, "The release of Yoon Sukyeol is a mishap caused by legal technicalities that defy common sense and due process. While his subordinates remain in prison, the ringleader who orchestrated the illegal martial law and rebellion has been released. The public is left speechless by the dazzling judicial show put on by legal technicians. The dismissal of President Yoon Sukyeol must happen as soon as possible, as it is the only way to save the country," earning him widespread support.
On the 11th, in an unusual move for a local government leader, he took to the streets holding a sign reading "Immediate Dismissal of the Ringleader of Rebellion," taking the lead in the public campaign for impeachment.
On the 28th of last month, when it was revealed that lawyer Kim Gyeri, who had stirred controversy with anti-constitutional remarks during the impeachment trial of President Yoon, was included in the task force for the Yeosun Incident Fact-Finding Report, Governor Kim issued a strong statement demanding her immediate removal, once again receiving public applause. This is seen as a dramatic shift from his previous image as a quiet administrator, according to local opinion.
Some interpret this as a declaration of transformation from quiet charisma to a strong leader, signaling his commitment to run for the presidency as he promised last month.
There is also analysis that, amid the national crisis of impeachment, he is revealing his previously hidden leadership to the public. While the domestic circumstances are somewhat different, the way Governor Kim is gaining popularity through a strong image is reminiscent of how former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been popular in their own countries. While Trump and Putin approached the public from an authoritarian perspective, Governor Kim is seen as a leader with legitimacy and justification, without authoritarianism.
A local political figure commented, "With the unprecedentedly intense debate over the president's impeachment, the country has plunged into chaos. In this situation, the recent actions of Governor Kim Youngrok, who leads Jeollanam-do, known as the stronghold of progressive politics, are highly significant. On a smaller scale, it can be seen as solidifying his position as a presidential contender, but more broadly, it signals the emergence of another leader from Honam determined to overcome the crisis threatening Korean democracy."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
