Kim Dong-yeon Announces Presidential Bid from Airport on U.S. Trip: Pledges Reform and Economic Cooperation 🚀

Kim Dong-yeon, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, officially declared his candidacy for the 21st presidential election during a press conference at Incheon Airport before departing for the United States. He emphasized his experience in handling economic crises and his international network as key strengths.

Key Points of Kim Dong-yeon’s Announcement:

• Election Focus: Positioned the election as a decision point between moving towards the future and returning to the past.
• Experience: Highlighted his experience with economic crises, including the 1998 IMF crisis and the 2008 financial crisis.
• Key Pledges:
  • Constitutional reform to a four-year, double-term, decentralized presidential system.
  • Reducing presidential term to three years to align with general election cycles.
  • Restructuring the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Prosecutor’s Office.
  • Eradicating “Jeon-gwan Yeu-woo” (전관예우), a deeply ingrained Korean practice where former officials or judges wield undue influence in their respective fields after retirement.
  • Creating ten large enterprise cities.
  • Investing 400 trillion KRW in the climate industry.
  • Adjusting the national debt ratio by halting tax cuts to secure 200 trillion KRW in finances.
• Campaign Stance: Emphasized a clean campaign without factionalism or massive campaign organizations, focusing on vision and policy.
• Support: Mentioned receiving encouragement from former President Moon Jae-in, who hoped Kim would play a central role in building a greater Republic of Korea.
• Maintaining Governorship: Intends to maintain his position as Gyeonggi Province Governor during the primary race.
• U.S. Trip: Visiting Michigan to address potential impacts from trade disputes and meet with Governor Gretchen Whitmer to develop joint strategies.

Full Article:

Kim Dong-yeon, Gyeonggi Province Governor, declared his candidacy for the 21st presidential election at Incheon Airport Terminal 2 on April 9th. He made the announcement during an emergency briefing before leaving for the U.S. to address potential tariff issues. Kim, following Kim Doo-kwan, is the second non-Lee Jae-myung candidate from the Democratic Party to announce a bid.

“This election will decide whether South Korea moves to the future or returns to the past. More than just a change of government is needed,” Kim stated. He highlighted his experience during past economic crises and his extensive international experience.

Kim promised reforms including a four-year, double-term, decentralized presidential system, shortening the presidential term to three years to align with general elections, restructuring the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Prosecutor’s Office, and eradicating vested interests. His economic pledges included creating ten large enterprise cities, investing 400 trillion KRW in the climate industry, and securing 200 trillion KRW by adjusting the national debt ratio.

Kim emphasized his lack of factional support and large organization, stating, “The people who worry about the country are my faction, and the people who worry about the economy are my organization.” He promised a clean, policy-focused campaign.

In response to questions, Kim mentioned that former President Moon Jae-in encouraged him, hoping he would play a central role in building a greater Republic of Korea. Kim assured that he would not disappoint those expectations.

Kim will maintain his position as Gyeonggi Province Governor during the primary race, as regulations allow until 30 days before the actual presidential election.

Regarding his U.S. trip, Kim stated, “With the Trump-era tariff war intensifying, our automotive industry will be directly affected. I cannot stand idly by, so I am visiting Michigan for two days to meet with the ‘Big 3’ automakers.”

He added, “These two days are crucial for saving our economy. I will meet with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to develop a joint public-private strategy to respond to tariffs.”

Kim explained that he chose to announce his candidacy at the airport due to the urgent need to address trade war issues. He had previously proposed an innovation alliance with Michigan in 2023, and Governor Whitmer visited Gyeonggi Province last year to discuss cooperation.