Governor Kim Dongyeon Offers Deep Bow of Apology, Reflects on "Lack of Solidarity" Over Achievements
Former President Moon Jaein: "We Shared the Value of a People-Centered Economy"
Chairman Kwon Nokap Praises "Extensive Experience in State Affai
Dongyeon Kim, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, held a book launch event at the Gyeonggi Arts Center in Suwon on March 2. Despite the rainy and inclement weather, about 30,000 people gathered at the event, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an idol concert.
Governor Kim began his remarks as the author by emphasizing "reflection" over "results."
He stated, "I would first like to confess my shortcomings," and added, "After being elected as Governor of Gyeonggi Province, I admit that I became arrogant, and I reflect and repent on that."
He continued, "I lacked a sense of camaraderie with the many party members and comrades who supported me at the time, including the elderly party members with gray hair at campaign rallies," and confessed, "Even after winning the election and becoming governor, I was unable to fully embrace my fellow party members."
Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, is speaking at his book launch event held at the Gyeonggi Arts Center in Suwon on the 2nd. Provided by The Bom Publishing House
On the spot, Governor Kim put down the microphone, knelt, and performed a deep bow as an expression of remorse. Attendees chanted "Dongyeon Kim."
Governor Kim pledged, "From now on, I will do my best to contribute to the success of the Democratic Party and the government of national sovereignty," and promised, "The Lee Jaemyung administration will be the first to achieve both real estate reform and economic growth, and I will do my utmost as the most important on-the-ground leader to turn the vision and policies of the government of national sovereignty into success."
He particularly emphasized, "I will keep in mind the wishes of my fellow party members who want me to become the Kim Dongyeon of the Democratic Party," adding, "I will give my all with a clear mind for the success of the Democratic Party and the government of national sovereignty."
The event brought together figures from the entire history of the Democratic Party.
Former President Jae-in Moon sent a congratulatory message, Nokap Kwon, Chairman of the Kim Daejung Foundation, sent a video message, and Sungsoo Cha, Chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, gave congratulatory remarks in person, celebrating Governor Kim's administration and book launch.
On the 2nd, attendees at Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province's book launch event, took a commemorative photo holding a banner that reads "Kim Dongyeon, A World Where I Live True to Myself." Provided by Deobom Publishing Company
In his congratulatory message, former President Moon said, "Governor Kim Dongyeon is a 'top performer' and a 'capable innovator' recognized by all," evaluating, "Despite difficult circumstances for growth, his life story of rising to the position of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs solely based on his abilities has greatly moved and inspired many people."
He added, "We (former President Moon and Governor Kim) shared the value of a 'people-centered economy' and worked together," and reflected, "The intense period when we achieved a return to a growth rate in the 3% range, entered the era of $30,000 in national income, and laid the foundation for inclusive growth still remains vivid in my memory."
Nokap Kwon, Chairman of the Kim Daejung Foundation, said, "Governor Kim Dongyeon forged a connection with President Daejung Kim while working as an economic affairs administrator in the presidential office during the Kim Daejung administration," and introduced, "Governor Kim's greatest strengths are his wealth of national policy experience, his expertise in state affairs, and the knowledge he has built through more reading than anyone else."
Cheongrae Jeong, leader of the Democratic Party, said in a video message, "On the night of the rebellion, Governor Kim firmly refused the order to close the provincial government office and clearly declared that the martial law was an illegal coup d'etat," and praised, "True to his credentials as a prepared economic expert, he has steadily prepared for the future of Gyeonggi Province, focusing on the semiconductor, AI, and climate response industries."
On the 2nd, guests who visited the publication celebration venue of Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, are chatting with acquaintances in the lobby of the Gyeonggi Art Center. Courtesy of The Bom Publishing House
At the event, Lee Kyungbok, Governor Kim's homeroom teacher from his days at Deoksu Commercial High School (second year), appeared and reminisced about "young Dongyeon Kim."
Mr. Lee recalled, "As the head of his household living in a shantytown by Cheonggyecheon, after overcoming hardships with his mother and passing various state exams, he rose to the position of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. Perhaps it was because he acutely felt the hardships of being an underprivileged person in a society rife with greed," and added, "Changing the world from one where people live selfishly to one where people live conscientiously is what it means for Governor Kim Dongyeon to live as himself." His words received a big round of applause.
Poet Taejoo Na, known for "Grass Flower," also gave a congratulatory speech, saying, "Writing is the person. Governor Kim's books and writings are gentle, pure, sharp, and delicate," and added, "He sees the essence and the future of the world."
Governor Kim said, "There is one person I absolutely must introduce before my greeting," and introduced his mother, Choi Geunsik, saying, "When my father passed away when I was 11, my mother was 32 and sacrificed everything for her four children." Mrs. Choi bowed deeply to express her gratitude to the attendees.
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