Independent lawmaker Kim Sangwook, who left the People Power Party, announced on May 15 that he plans to visit Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate, at his campaign rally in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, on May 16.
Speaking to Yonhap News TV on the same day, Kim said, "I have not made a formal appointment with candidate Lee," but added, "I plan to go to Gwangju tomorrow, and since Lee's rally is scheduled in Iksan, I intend to stop by."
When asked whether he might join the campaign vehicle to publicly support Lee, Kim responded, "That would be difficult," but stated, "I will meet Lee and have a close discussion with him."
Sangwook Kim: "I Will Walk the Path of True Democratic Conservatism" (Seoul=Yonhap News) Dohoon Kim reports: On May 8, 2025, Sangwook Kim, who had been pressured to leave the party over the December 3 emergency martial law and former President Seokyeol Yoon's impeachment, expressed his intention to leave the party after paying respects at the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Dohoon Kim
(c) Yonhap News, Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution, AI training and use prohibited
Earlier that day, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly, where he publicly declared his support for Lee, stating, "Even by conservative standards, Lee is the most conservative candidate." He added, "The next president must be a successful president who transcends political factions. That is why we need a proven president who can deliver results."
He emphasized, "Only Lee is presenting an agenda for national unity that goes beyond factional logic, and I believe he has both the will and the ability to address the pressing national challenges. Lee is the right person to be the 21st president."
Kim also announced through a press release that "candidate Lee Jae Myung personally called to express his gratitude and encouragement," and that "he offered me an invitation to join the Democratic Party of Korea."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
