The “Choilhoe,” an external group within the Democratic Party’s non-Lee Jae-myung faction, is reportedly considering inviting former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo for a lecture around January next year. This might expedite Kim’s return to South Korea, who is expected to return in February, due to this potential invitation.
A representative of Choilhoe mentioned on the 17th that they are planning to discuss inviting former Governor Kim as a keynote speaker in January and that the discussions for his invitation would continue depending on his return schedule. Kim, currently studying in Germany, was initially rumored to return in December, but his plans were delayed due to local circumstances.
The “groundbreaking lecture” series brings influential political figures from home and abroad to share their views on current political issues, discussions which have recently featured notable figures like former Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan in October and former National Assembly Secretary-General Yoo In-tae in November.
The recent activities of Choilhoe have gained attention as several Democratic Party presidential hopefuls are taking the stage through these lectures. Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-gyeom, who served in the last administration under Moon Jae-in, is confirmed as a speaker for December, and Kim Dong-yeon, the current Gyeonggi Governor, is also being considered as a speaker alongside former Governor Kim.
Within and outside the Democratic Party, there are concerns about the one-man leadership of Lee Jae-myung following his conviction for violating the Public Official Election Act, where he received a one-year prison sentence with a two-year suspension.
However, key members within the party including pro-Lee Jae-myung lawmakers deny these concerns. On the previous day, Lee emphasized during the “third day of national action” event near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul that he “will never die, because of your support.”
Regarding the Choilhoe’s December lecture, former Prime Minister Kim recently returned to South Korea on the 15th after visiting the U.S. presidential election sites and completing a special lecture at Stanford University. Choilhoe stated that Kim is expected to present high-quality insights on Korea-U.S. relations and international affairs post-Trump era, based on his firsthand experience.