At the 358th Temporary Session: "I am considering various circumstances"
Senior People Power Party Member: "Governor Kim must be seriously considered"
Kim Taeheum, Governor of South Chungcheong Province, stated on the 9th that he will make a decision within a few days regarding his potential candidacy in the early presidential election scheduled for June 3.
Governor Kim made this comment during the 2nd plenary session of the 358th temporary meeting at the provincial council's main chamber, in response to a question from Lee Sanggeun, a People Power Party lawmaker, about whether he would run for president. He said, "I am considering various circumstances."
Governor Kim added, "I have been hearing about the possibility of my candidacy through both lawmakers and the media," and continued, "I will make a decision within two or three days."
After President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment led the political sphere into an early presidential election, several metropolitan mayors have declared their candidacy, and calls for Governor Kim to run are growing within the Chungcheong region.
According to our coverage, a senior member of the People Power Party recently described Governor Kim as "a rare figure who has not only served three terms as a National Assembly member but also accumulated central political experience in the Political Affairs and Budget Committees, along with achievements in provincial administration," adding, "For the Chungcheong region's aspirations, Governor Kim's candidacy must be seriously considered."
Within the local political community, there is also the assessment that "Chungcheong has so far only played the role of a casting vote, but now it is time to take the lead in national governance," and "Governor Kim is seen as someone who can stand at the center of this change."
Governor Kim has been recognized for achieving tangible results in provincial administration since taking office, including the Megacity Initiative for the Pan-Yellow Sea region, the West Coast KTX, and attracting high-tech industries.
However, Governor Kim expressed caution, saying, "I believe the very situation of an early presidential election should not have happened."
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