Kim Dongyeon: "Lee Jaemyung Administration Gets 'A-Plus' for First 100 Days... Not the Time to Discuss Next Year's Bid"

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated that he would give an 'A-plus' grade to President Lee Jaemyung's administration for its first 100 days in office, citing significant achievements in all sectors, including the economy and diplomacy. Regarding his own potential bid for re-election as governor next year, he hinted at the possibility by saying, "There is a mountain of work to be done."

He also criticized the change in the Yangpyeong Expressway route as an absurd incident, insisting that a special prosecutor must thoroughly uncover the truth. Additionally, he warned the People Power Party that unless they address issues such as illegal martial law and crossing the 'river of rebellion,' and stop following the 'Yoon Seokyeol Again' approach, the public will not be convinced.

On the September 14th broadcast of KBS1's radio program "Jung Kwan-yong's Current Affairs Headquarters," Governor Kim said, "President Lee has been running breathlessly for 100 days without even a transition committee," and evaluated, "There have been very significant achievements in the economy, diplomacy, and all sectors."

He particularly emphasized, "What was done best was restoring trust and expectations among our citizens in the economic sector, and I want to give the highest marks for that." He continued, "While not everything has been fully resolved, uncertainty has been reduced to some extent, including the Donald Trump tariff issue. Measures such as consumption coupons have stimulated spending. Also, the Yoon Seokyeol administration pursued misguided fiscal policies, but now, through next year's budget growth rate and similar measures, the approach has shifted to expansionary fiscal policy. This is a time when encouragement and support should be given."

Regarding his potential re-election bid next year, he said, "It has only been three months as a governor from the ruling party, and there is a mountain of work to be done. I believe it is important to be evaluated by the residents through the work I do," adding, "What matters is doing my job diligently; it is not yet time to talk about (re-election) and such things."

On the special prosecutor, he said, "I believe the special prosecutor has done its job. South Korea is now showing quick resilience in recovering from past illegal martial law and rebellion, and this is creating a good turning point for recovery."

He continued, "More than anything else, as Governor of Gyeonggi Province, what I want to request from the special prosecutor regarding Kim Keonhee is the Yangpyeong Expressway issue. This is truly an absurd matter, and I have been strongly protesting and confronting the Yoon administration about who, why, and through what procedures this was done. It must be normalized," he emphasized.

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province

He especially urged, "(The change in the Yangpyeong Expressway route) is a classic example of a wrongful family business. This issue must be thoroughly clarified so that such things never happen again, and construction should begin as soon as possible."

Regarding his hopes for the Lee Jaemyung administration, Governor Kim said, "The Yoon Seokyeol administration wasted three years and even hindered the economy and growth. As a result, the economy is struggling and people's livelihoods are deteriorating. I hope that our government, based on popular sovereignty, will restore and solidify the situation as quickly as possible."

On the effect of the government's consumption coupons, Governor Kim said, "About 99 percent of eligible people have received the consumption coupons. Small business owners, traditional market vendors, and neighborhood market merchants are smiling and feeling the changes firsthand."

Regarding expansionary fiscal policy, Governor Kim said, "A national debt ratio of 51 percent is in a sound state, and I believe now is the time to spend money. What matters more is where the money is spent," he added.

Governor Kim also said, "At the end of October, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju. The Lee Jaemyung administration has shone in international diplomacy and has made a good start," he concluded.