Former Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom stated on the 5th that “the Democratic Party needs to sufficiently endure criticism from former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo and former Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok for party support to increase.” This is interpreted as Kim, a potential presidential candidate outside of the Lee Jae-myung faction, joining in on checking Representative Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party.
On CBS Radio, Kim described the Democratic Party’s lifeblood as “inclusiveness, diversity, and democracy,” indirectly criticizing the ‘Lee Jae-myung-focused system’. Within the Democratic Party, conflicts between pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in) and pro-Lee (pro-Lee Jae-myung) factions have intensified following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, as there is consideration of an early presidential election.
Kim also commented, “The Democratic Party did not meet the public’s expectations for stable governance and recovery of the people’s economy after the impeachment of (President Yoon).”
When referring to the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, who served as acting president, Kim remarked, “The public seemed to expect a stabilized recovery response, but did the Democratic Party move too hastily?”
Additionally, he argued, “Since the Moon Jae-in administration started not as an extensive candlelight alliance government but solely as a Democratic Party government, the outcomes were not significant later. Only when we achieve an alliance encompassing all forces crossing the impeachment river can we rebirth the Republic of Korea.”
Kim also revealed a critical stance on Representative Lee’s request to the appellate court for a constitutional review judgment on allegations of violating the Public Official Election Act. He said, “Although it was a decision made by the defense team after a legal review, isn’t Lee a political leader? Following the court’s judgment and trusting the public is the right path.”
When asked if he would run in the event of an early presidential election, Kim avoided a direct answer, saying, “There are those who feel uncomfortable if we already talk about the presidential election.” He plans to visit Gwangju and Jeonnam from the 7th to the 9th to pay respects at the May 18th National Cemetery and listen to the sentiments of the Honam region.