Kim Dong-yeon Expresses Regret Over Democratic Party’s Primary Rules, Vows to Relinquish Vested Rights If Elected President 🗳️

Kim Dong-yeon, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, expressed his regret over the Democratic Party’s primary rules in his first meeting with reporters since declaring his candidacy for the 21st presidential election. He also outlined his ambitions to focus on economic recovery and political reform if elected president, urging former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung to clarify his stance on constitutional amendments.

Key Points of Kim Dong-yeon’s Message

• Regret over Primary Rules: Expressed concern that the Democratic Party’s primary could turn into a mere formality.
• Defense of Public Primary: Emphasized the importance of public primary as a long-standing tradition of the Democratic Party.
• Commitment to Reform: Vowed to relinquish vested rights and reform all sectors of society if elected president.
• Constitutional Amendment: Indicated willingness to shorten his term to align the presidential and general election cycles by 2028.
• Critique of Lee Jae-myung: Questioned Lee Jae-myung’s commitment to constitutional amendments.
• U.S. Trip Outcomes: Highlighted achievements from his visit to Michigan, including establishing cooperation channels and supporting Korean automotive companies.

Detailed Summary

At a press conference held at his campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim Dong-yeon stated, “I deeply regret that the Democratic Party seems to be heading towards a ‘decorative primary,’ as many media outlets are saying.” He appealed to party members to ensure the party can achieve a change of government based on the principles and common sense it has upheld.

Kim emphasized, “Public primary is a beautiful tradition and pride that the Democratic Party has maintained for a long time. Worrying about reverse selection is not appropriate when considering the capacity of the people who stopped tanks and armies to end illegal martial law and insurrection.”
(Reverse selection refers to a situation where voters from an opposing party participate in a primary to vote for a weaker candidate, thereby undermining the primary’s intended outcome.)

However, he avoided answering questions about his future actions after the Democratic Party’s special committee for presidential election regulations finalized the rules of 50% weighted voting for party members and 50% public opinion polls for the public primary. He stated that he would decide whether to participate in the primary after the primary rules are finalized.

Kim stated, “I will reserve my answer today regarding my response to the primary rules. However, I am expressing the unfairness of how much of a tilted playing field these rules are creating, and how the process of creating a candidate with public participation, which was established after former President Roh Moo-hyun, is being denied.”

Kim also stressed that if he becomes president, he would relinquish vested rights and reform all sectors, including society, politics, and the economy. He specifically mentioned that he would push for constitutional amendments and could shorten his term if necessary to align the general election and presidential election cycles by 2028. He criticized Lee Jae-myung for not showing a strong commitment to constitutional amendments.

Kim said, “It is not right to cover up constitutional amendments with the end of insurrection, and I don’t feel that there is a strong will for constitutional amendments. Politicians must weigh their words like gold. It is important for the person who is elected to show their will to the people, be judged, and keep their promises.”

Kim also introduced the outcomes of his trip to Michigan in the United States on the 9th to address tariff issues. He announced the establishment of ▲ a Gyeonggi Province-Michigan cooperation channel, ▲ a channel between Korean and American automotive companies, ▲ support for companies entering Michigan, and ▲ the holding of a mobility show for Korean auto parts companies. He also reported that he met with former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun to discuss tariff responses. 🤝