[Presidential Interview] Kim Dongyeon: "Sincerity Is My Strength... Please Look at My Life as a Boy Head of Household Worried About His Next Meal"

Cramming and Reviewing Past Questions Won't Work for U.S. Tariff Response
Tax Exemptions and Reductions Worth 70 Trillion Won Must Be Addressed First

Kim Dongyeon, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate and governor of Gyeonggi Province, said, "Please look at the history of my life so far. A boy who once worried about his next meal has come this far."

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 24th, Governor Kim emphasized, "Among all the candidates running for president, I feel the most 'genuine' about the future of Korea. Sincerity is my greatest asset and strength."

As a seasoned expert in diplomacy and economics, Kim strongly addressed the response to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff policies, saying, "Even now, we must immediately dispatch a 'Special Economic Ambassador with Full Authority' to maximize our negotiating power." Kim questioned, "The United States has spent several months preparing thoroughly for its tariff policies. Can we really face them with last-minute cramming or just by reviewing previous questions?"

Regarding the intensifying competition among politicians to cut taxes ahead of the presidential election, Kim directly criticized it as a 'populist policy.' He argued, "A comprehensive review of tax policy is necessary," and insisted, "We need to start by revising the 70 trillion won in tax exemptions and reductions." The following is a Q&A with Governor Kim.

Kim Dongyeon, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate and governor of Gyeonggi Province, said in a written interview with Asia Economy, "Please look at the history of my life so far." (Photo by Kim Dongyeon Camp)

-You have emphasized the role of a catalyst for the Seventh Republic in your presidential bid.

▲It comes from a sense of urgency that things cannot continue as they are. With former President Yoon Sukyeol impeached and an early presidential election now underway, simply changing the administration will not allow us to return to 'the way we were.' We need a transformation that goes beyond just a change in government. We must overcome the difficult economy and improve people's livelihoods. I believe I am well suited for that role. I decided to run because I feel it is something I must do.

-You have proposed the slogan 'A Nation for All, An Advanced Country for My Life.'

▲I believe Korea should become 'a nation for all,' where the rights and dignity of each citizen are respected and everyone's energy is united, and 'an advanced country for my life,' where the quality of life matches our status as one of the world's top 10 economies.

-What is your greatest asset and strength?

▲I hope people will look at the history of my life so far. A boy who once worried about his next meal has come this far. Through those experiences, I have developed empathy with those who are struggling and a commitment to public service, returning the benefits I have received from society.

-You have named negotiations with President Trump as your top priority. What is your solution for Korea to gain practical benefits in tariff negotiations?

▲As of this month, exports to the United States have decreased by 14% compared to the same month last year. We have been hit hard by Trump's tariffs. Since the beginning of this year, I have been advocating for a 'barrier to protect exports' and a 'Special Economic Ambassador with Full Authority.' It is astonishing that the government, which had ignored these suggestions, is only now preparing to go to the United States. The U.S. has already spent several months preparing thoroughly. Can we really face them with last-minute cramming or just by reviewing previous questions? Even now, we must immediately dispatch a 'Special Economic Ambassador with Full Authority.' We must maximize our negotiating power through unified support and trust.

-Is there a solution between fiscal input for economic growth and the increase in national debt?

▲First, I strongly regret that the political competition to cut taxes is turning into populism. Whether it is the financial investment income tax or the comprehensive real estate tax, we need to develop a reform plan for the entire tax system rather than focusing on specific taxes. We also need to compare ourselves with OECD countries. Korea's unique circumstances must also be considered. The national finances are in trouble. We need to start by revising the 70 trillion won in tax exemptions and reductions. We should increase the national debt ratio by 5% over the next five years. This would create about 200 trillion won in resources. However, it is essential to appeal to the public and gain their understanding. There must be a consensus that investment is necessary for sustainable growth.

Kim Dongyeon, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate and governor of Gyeonggi Province, said in a written interview with Asia Economy, "We need to start by revising the 70 trillion won tax exemption and reduction." (Photo by Kim Dongyeon Camp)

-You have proposed shortening the next presidential term to three years and holding the next presidential election together with the general election.

▲We must end the '87 system' that has lasted for nearly 40 years in Korea. If ending internal conflict is about resolving the past, constitutional revision is about the future. We are standing at the threshold of the Seventh Republic. The first necessary condition is constitutional revision to reform the power structure. I have emphasized the need for constitutional revision more than anyone. For this, I have stressed the need for a decentralized presidency, a four-year double-term system, and a responsible prime minister system. In addition, to align the election cycle with the general election, I propose that the next president serve a three-year term. By setting an example of self-sacrifice, we must serve as the catalyst for the Seventh Republic. If I become president, I will make sure to implement this.

-There is an assessment within the party that 'Eodaemyung' (meaning Lee Jaemyung is inevitably the presidential candidate) will prevail in the primary.

▲I humbly accept the decisions of party members in Chungcheong and Yeongnam. However, about 210,000 party members and delegates participated in the last vote. There are still over 950,000 in Honam and Seoul. There is also a public opinion poll. To use a baseball analogy, I will do my best to achieve a come-from-behind victory by producing good results all the way to the ninth inning. I am not considering second place. I am here to speak with my own voice. I will present my vision and policies. By doing so, I believe I can contribute to building a more capable Democratic Party, a stronger Democratic Party, and create a 'change in our lives' that goes beyond just a change in government.

-The primaries in Honam and the Seoul metropolitan area remain. Any final words?

▲I will proceed with confidence, as Kim Dongyeon always does. I will confidently focus only on the people. I will confidently compete with vision and policy.