Kim Kyung-soo, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Regional Era, announced on the 3rd that he will conclude his role as committee chair on the 5th and head to South Gyeongsang Province.
Following a joint workshop of the Regional Era Committee held at HJ Business Center in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, Kim told reporters, "Today's workshop has significance in wrapping up the tasks we have carried out so far."
Political circles interpret this as Kim's official declaration of his candidacy for the South Gyeongsang Province gubernatorial election in June. He previously participated in a candidate interview for the Democratic Party of Korea's gubernatorial nomination on the 24th of last month.
Regarding his decision to run for governor, Kim explained, "Various plans, roadmaps, and implementation systems for region-led growth have been established, but ultimately they must be executed on the ground and realized as results. I have decided to step forward with the determination to make region-led growth succeed."
However, concerns have emerged about a leadership vacuum at the Regional Era Committee, as Kim enters the South Gyeongsang gubernatorial race while Vice Chairman Shin Yong-han pursues the North Chungcheong governor election.
Addressing these concerns, Kim said, "The most critical task was establishing the design, roadmap, and implementation system, and that process has essentially been completed. The committee members have been involved since the presidential transition committee stage and possess sufficient capabilities."
He added, "If the presidential office swiftly appoints successors, the ongoing region-led growth and '5 Hubs, 3 Special Zones' policies can proceed without disruption."