“Let’s Meet in Gwangju, Now a Common Noun”
Kim Sanguk: “I Will Walk the Path of True Democratic Conservatism”
Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju, announced that he is inviting Representative Kim Sanguk (Ulsan Namgu-gap), who left the People Power Party, to the May 18 Grand Festival of Democracy.
On the 8th, Mayor Kang stated on his social media, "Representative Kim Sanguk has left the People Power Party, declaring his intention to walk the path of 'true democratic conservatism.' I support his deep deliberation and difficult decision." He continued, "Representative Kim Sanguk, I personally delivered the invitation to your office last week. Please make sure to attend," and added, "I invite you to the May 18 event, which is now part of our present, and to Gwangju as a symbol of democracy."
On the 8th, after paying respects at the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Representative Kim Sanguk, who had been pressured within the party to resign over the December 3 emergency martial law and former President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment, announced his intention to leave the party. Photo by Yonhap News
Earlier that day, Representative Kim visited the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, to pay respects at the graves of former presidents, and then held a press conference to announce his departure from the People Power Party. He said, "I will walk the path of true democratic conservatism, not far-right or reactionary conservatism," and added, "I have continued to offer candid advice, hoping the People Power Party would function as an authentic conservative party, but I have concluded that there is no longer any possibility."
Representative Kim stated, "I will carefully consider whom to support and how to work together, taking responsibility for my choices," and added, "Once it becomes clear which direction will benefit the people, I will make my political decision accordingly."
He also mentioned the possibility of meeting with Lee Jaemyung, leader of the Democratic Party, and Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform Party, saying, "I want to discuss solutions to current issues and the direction of the country."
Previously, last month, Representative Kim had demanded that the People Power Party immediately expel former President Yoon Sukyeol, issue a public apology and take measures to prevent a recurrence of the December 3 emergency martial law incident, prohibit political deals with Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who did not participate in the primary, and agree on livelihood measures such as an extra budget. He had also stated that he might leave the party if these demands were not accepted.
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