Sangwook Kim: "No Reason to Reject the Democratic Party... Actually Fulfilling the Role of a Conservative Party"

"The Presidential Election Is More Important Than My Political Affiliation"
"I Don't Think It Matters Which Party I Join"

Sangwook Kim, a member of the People Power Party, is speaking about his position in the Rotunda Hall after voting on President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment motion at the National Assembly plenary session on December 7 last year. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Representative Sangwook Kim, who declared his departure from the People Power Party, stated that when one looks beyond the usual political framing, it is actually the Democratic Party that is fulfilling the role of conservatives, and that he no longer sees any reason to reject this.

On May 9, Representative Kim appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jongbae's Focus" and said, "It seems that the People Power Party has abandoned democracy, the rule of law, and fairness," expressing this view.

Representative Kim explained, "My understanding of conservatism is to uphold the intrinsic values and principles within society. When I consider who is better practicing the conservative values of democracy, rule of law, fairness, rationality, openness, inclusiveness, and freedom, it seems that the People Power Party has abandoned all of them," adding, "In fact, when we remove the frame and look at the essence, the Democratic Party is playing the role of a conservative party more effectively."

He continued, "I have spoken with both Jaemyung Lee and Junseok Lee, and I am grateful that Minseok Kim, the campaign chair of the Democratic Party, suggested the Democratic Party as an option," adding, "It is a welcome proposal given my current situation as an independent with nowhere else to go."

However, he added, "What is more important right now is the presidential election, not my future affiliation," and said, "I do not think it is important which party I join. Before deciding on my affiliation, I want to have discussions on these matters with those who are running for president."

Meanwhile, Representative Sangwook Kim has supported the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol since the 12·3 Martial Law. On the morning of May 8, after visiting the Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, he officially announced his departure from the People Power Party, stating, "I will walk the path of true democratic conservatism, not that of far-right or reactionary conservatism."