Kim Kwan-young, governor of Jeonbuk State who was expelled from the Democratic Party of Korea, has decided to run as an independent candidate.
According to political sources on the 6th, Kim's side said the previous day that "he will hold a press conference at the Jeonbuk Provincial Council at 10 a.m. on the 7th of this month to announce his independent candidacy." Kim plans to unveil his campaign pledges at the event. A day before his official declaration, Kim plans to visit the Jeonbuk Election Commission on Thursday to register as a preliminary candidate.
Earlier, at a press briefing held at the provincial government office on the 4th, Kim hinted at his independent bid, saying, "There is clear anger among residents over the tyranny of Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae and his disregard for the people of Jeonbuk." He added, "There is a demand that residents must elect the governor with their own hands through this voting process."
Kim was expelled from the Democratic Party last month following a "cash distribution" controversy, in which he handed out 20,000 to 100,000 won per person as designated driver fees at a dinner gathering in November last year attended by members of the party's Jeonbuk youth committee.
