Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon stated on the 24th that he will strongly discuss the shortening of the next president’s term with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, at their meeting on Friday (28th).
According to Yonhap News, Governor Kim appeared on JTBC’s “Oh Dae-young Live” that day and said, “Three years ago, during the presidential election, I aligned with then-candidate Lee and signed five agreements. The first was a constitutional amendment including a reform of the power structure, promising even to shorten the president’s term.”
He added, “In 2022, we discussed shortening the term by one year to align local elections with the presidential election. To align the next general election and presidential election in 2028, we need to shorten the president’s term by two years for stable governance. I intend to clearly reaffirm this promise.” He further explained, “The current constitution does not apply to a constitutional amendment president, so if the timing of the general election and presidential election is adjusted, that president cannot run in the next election; thus, the term must be shortened even at the cost of sacrifice.”
Regarding the recent positioning of the party’s identity by the party leader as centrist and conservative, Governor Kim remarked, “I believe the Democratic Party’s identity is in being a competent progressive party. It is a party that values people, and its identity should remain steadfast. Although centrist expansion is necessary ahead of elections, we must protect our core values.”
He continued, “The root of the Democratic Party’s crisis is trust. As a competent ruling party, we need to show trust to the people and find our place while adopting a pragmatic approach and centrist expansion strategy.”
In response to claims that he should support the presidential election because he benefited from the party leader in the last gubernatorial election, he said, “I won dramatically by a 0.15% point margin. Out of 31 city and county elections in Gyeonggi Province, 22 were lost, yet I won. I believe I have built the foundation and current platform of the Democratic Party by gaining the votes and assistance of the residents.”
Regarding Lee’s consecutive meetings with Governor Kim and other party figures critical of or not aligned with Lee, he said, “I view this positively. To achieve a change in power, we need to embrace diverse voices rather than a single voice or monocentric system. Unified actions are necessary.”
When asked about potential alliances with potential critical or non-aligned presidential candidates, he noted, “It is not so much an alliance, but open dialogue and shared intentions are entirely possible to create a proper change in power and a new Korea. Everyone is someone with whom I can easily converse.” Regarding early presidential election maneuvers, Governor Kim remarked, “With impeachment becoming more likely, I will clearly state my role if it becomes a reality. It is too early to talk about the presidential election.”