Democratic Party's Second Presidential Bid After Kim Doo-kwan
"Constitutional Amendment Needed for Four-Year Single-Term Decentralized Presidency"
Proposes 'Economic Grand Coalition' Through 'Five Major Big Deals'
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon officially declared his candidacy for the 21st presidential election on the 9th.
On the morning of the same day, at a press conference held at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport titled "Report on Departure to the U.S. and Presidential Election Candidacy," Governor Kim stated, "A mere change of government is not enough. A change beyond just the government is necessary." Kim became the second potential presidential candidate from the Democratic Party to announce his candidacy. Earlier, on the 7th, former lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan was the first among the Democratic presidential hopefuls to officially declare his candidacy.
Governor Kim declared, "We must move toward a 'nation for all' where the rights and dignity of every citizen are respected and national energy is united," adding, "Let us restore common sense and conscience, which are dying before money and vested interests, and create a society where shortcuts and illegalities do not work."
To this end, he presented three visions. To lead reform of vested interests, he said, "I will play a pioneering role in opening the door to the 7th Republic by implementing a four-year single-term decentralized presidential system, a runoff voting system, and shortening the presidential term by three years to align with the general election cycle." He also emphasized, "I will reorganize the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the prosecution to the level of dismantlement and abolish the 'former official cartel' in the public service and legal community, including restrictions on employment at law firms."
He also introduced the 'Five Major Big Deals' plan to end inequality. Governor Kim explained, "Through an 'economic grand coalition,' we will redraw the map of the Korean economy and the lives of the people," adding, "The 'Opportunity Economy Big Deal' involves large corporations providing jobs, workers accepting flexibility, and the government offering regulatory reforms in exchange; the 'Regional Balance Big Deal' aims to create ten major corporate cities; and the 'Climate Economy Big Deal,' 'Care Economy Big Deal,' and 'Tax and Fiscal Big Deal' will be exchanged generously to overcome an unequal economy."
He also declared the eradication of populist policies. Governor Kim said, "I will not make rosy lies with promises that cannot be fulfilled," and added, "I will not pursue policies that irresponsibly overuse tax cuts and will be a president who stands proudly before the people and internationally."
Governor Kim emphasized a '3 No (無) - 3 Yes (有)' campaign for this presidential election. He stated, "During the election period, I will not engage in negative campaigning, will not create a large, showy campaign headquarters, and will not conduct mobilization-based election campaigns." Instead, he said, "I will compete based on vision and policies, and as a candidate, I will run the election with the spirit of a lone rider."
Immediately after declaring his candidacy, Governor Kim will visit Michigan, USA, for a 4-day, 2-night trip. Michigan is home to the three major U.S. automobile manufacturers (GM, Ford, Stellantis), and he is expected to engage in 'tariff diplomacy' regarding the 'mutual tariffs' imposed during Donald Trump's second administration. Governor Kim plans to maintain his position as governor while participating in the party's primary election.
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