Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young officially declared an independent bid for re-election on Tuesday, saying he would seek "the choice of Jeonbuk residents, not the central party."
Speaking at a press conference at the Jeonbuk Provincial Council briefing room, Kim said, "I have believed in the values of fairness and justice upheld by the Democratic Party, but the nomination process was not fair." He added, "I will not remain in anger alone, nor will I put resentment first. I view this issue as one of restoring residents' right to choose, protecting Jeonbuk's future, and sustaining the momentum of the provincial economy." Former lawmakers Jang Se-hwan and Kim Jong-hoe also attended the event.
Kim said, "Over the past four years, by running alongside the residents, we attracted 27 trillion won in investment, including Hyundai Motor's 9 trillion won investment, and secured selection as a domestic candidate city for the 2036 Summer Olympics, breaking the prejudice that 'Jeonbuk can't do it' and proving that 'it can be done.'" He added, "Jeonbuk's industrial landscape is changing across physical AI, secondary batteries, biotech, defense, renewable energy, Saemangeum, and the financial hub."
"The engine has just started running and we are moving toward results — we cannot stop here," he said. "The one who sowed the seeds must water, tend, and harvest them. I, Kim Kwan-young, will take responsibility for leading the promises that companies made when they trusted and invested in Jeonbuk."
Kim also renewed his apology over the designated driver fee controversy that erupted last November. "To prevent young people from drunk driving, I paid designated driver fees with the heart of an uncle, and most of the money was recovered, but it was my oversight," he said. "I apologize once again for the emotional hurt my mistake caused to residents."
"The right of Jeonbuk residents to evaluate and choose should not be taken away because of this issue, and the final judgment must be made by the residents, who are the arbiters," he stressed. "After being evaluated before the residents, I will definitely return to the Democratic Party, which I have loved." He also said, "Residents are angered by the decision of Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rai. The only place I can trust is the residents. The choice for Jeonbuk will be made by its residents."
Kim also clarified his position on an independent coalition. "There will be no independent coalition," he said. "I don't prefer such talk." He added, "I am not taking this path to leave the Democratic Party. I am stepping forward to reestablish in Jeonbuk the fairness and principles that the Democratic Party I have loved has upheld. I hope the Democratic Party becomes a fairer party, a humbler party, one that takes the will of residents and members more seriously."
Meanwhile, Kim, the incumbent governor, was expelled from the Democratic Party ahead of the primary after CCTV footage was released showing him paying designated driver fees to young people at a restaurant. In the subsequent primary, Rep. Lee Won-taek competed against Rep. Ahn Ho-young, with Lee being selected as the final candidate.
