[Presidential Interview] Kim Kyungsoo: "Strength Lies in Integrative Leadership... I Will Make This a Primary Capable of Overwhelming Change of Government"

The Next President Should Not Work in Yongsan
100 Trillion Won Investment Planned for the AI Sector
Party Innovation Will Proceed After the Presidential Election

Kim Kyungsoo, former Gyeongnam Governor and a presidential primary candidate for the Democratic Party, stated that compared to other contenders aspiring to the presidency, his strength lies in "leadership for integration that seeks ways to achieve national unity suited to the realities of Korea." In particular, Kim emphasized, "I will make this a primary that can lead to an overwhelming change of government."

On the evening of the 20th at 9 PM, after completing the regional primary tour in Yeongnam and returning to Seoul, Kim held an interview with Asia Economy at a conference room near Seoul Station. He shared his views on the spirit of the times and the future of the party in this presidential election. Kim proposed that "the next president should not work in Yongsan even for a single day," suggesting simultaneous presidential offices in both Seoul and Sejong.

Kim also highlighted a 100 trillion won investment in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector and presented a fiscal expansion strategy, contingent on government self-reform. He said, "When it comes to tax increases, both higher taxes for the wealthy and universal taxation should be considered, and the decision should be made through social consensus. Personally, I believe the answer is a universal progressive tax system in which everyone pays taxes, but high-income earners pay a higher rate."

Furthermore, regarding the direction of politics, Kim stated, "An organization that does not continuously innovate will become stagnant," and added, "I believe discussions on desirable party innovation will take place after the presidential election." The following is a Q&A with Kim Kyungsoo.

On the afternoon of the 20th, former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyungsoo is answering reporters' questions at a conference room near Seoul Station in a meeting with Asia Economy. Photo by Kim Kyungsoo Camp

-How do you evaluate the interim results of the primary?

▲The primary has only just begun. Although the primary runs for two weeks, the presentation of policy platforms through TV debates and joint speeches has taken place over three days?Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is only now that each candidate is starting to communicate their vision and policies. The fact that party members and supporters are beginning to pay attention to the candidates' voices is significant.

-What is your strength compared to the other two candidates?

▲It is leadership for integration. The late former President Roh Moo-hyun, with whom I worked in politics, considered national unity the most important task. We have been contemplating this issue together for a long time. Even during my recent trip to Europe, I was someone who thought deeply about how to bring together the will of the people to address the nation's most pressing issues.

-You have pledged a 100 trillion won investment in AI. How will you secure funding?

▲Active fiscal policy is not a choice but a necessity. However, before discussing tax increases, the government must first regain public trust. I believe the fiscal expansion strategy should proceed in the following order: government self-reform, normalization and restoration of tax cuts by the Yoon Sukyeol administration, and then social consensus for fiscal expansion.

-You are advocating for the immediate relocation of the presidential office to Sejong.

▲It is a dangerous structure for the president, the Minister of National Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be in the same place, as a single strike in an emergency could leave a gap in the core command. There are also security concerns regarding protection. Once the main presidential candidates are confirmed, we should conduct a preliminary review and establish simultaneous presidential offices in both Seoul and Sejong. In Seoul, alternatives such as the Blue House or the Government Complex exist, while in Sejong, options include expanding the current temporary presidential office used for cabinet meetings or utilizing the Prime Minister's office.

On the afternoon of the 20th, former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyungsoo is answering reporters' questions at a conference room near Seoul Station in a meeting with Asia Economy. Photo by Kim Kyungsoo Camp

-There are criticisms that the Democratic Party has lost the spirit of Presidents Kim Daejung and Roh Moo-hyun. What is your view?

▲Fundamentally, I believe the spirit of Presidents Kim Daejung and Roh Moo-hyun remains rooted in the party. The Yoon Sukyeol administration has used the prosecution against officials from the Moon Jaein administration and the Democratic Party. Where else is there a government that thoroughly investigates rival candidates from the presidential election through prosecutorial investigations? The current Democratic Party was formed in response to this special situation. However, after the presidential election, I believe there will be discussions on party member-centered party democracy and party innovation.

-What do you think about the assessment that the party has solidified into a single-leader system under Lee Jaemyung?

▲I believe the party is gradually changing toward integration, inclusion, and the restoration of diversity. What is needed is to create a participatory democratic space where party members are at the center and can exercise their sovereignty. The basic duty of those who participated in the primary is to accept the results and work for the general election as if it were their own campaign. Further considerations will come after achieving an overwhelming change of government in the presidential election.