SUWON — Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon effectively declared his intention to seek reelection on Sunday, saying he would "contribute to building a bridgehead for a new Republic of Korea" in the upcoming election.
"I will dare to play my part in creating a bridgehead for building a new Republic of Korea through this election," Kim said at a launch event for his book "A World Where I Can Live as Myself" held at the Gyeonggi Arts Center.
The event, held ahead of the Democratic Party of Korea's gubernatorial primary, drew a large turnout of current and former party figures as well as supporters. Despite rainy weather, the 1,500-seat main theater was nearly full before the event began, with some attendees watching from the lobby after failing to secure seats.
In his remarks, Kim reflected on his administration's performance, saying he was "looking back on areas where I fell short." He expressed remorse over whether he had communicated sufficiently with party members since taking office and pledged to fulfill his role for the success of the party and government. At one point during his speech, Kim performed a deep bow on stage, prompting chants from some attendees.
Former President Moon Jae-in praised Kim as "a capable innovator" in a congratulatory message read by Park Neung-hoo, standing representative of Sauijae. Moon referenced economic policies they had pursued together during his administration.
Kwon Roh-gap, chairman of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation, expressed expectations for Kim's future role in a video message, highlighting the governor's experience in national affairs.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and former speakers Chung Sye-kyun, Moon Hee-sang, and Kim Jin-pyo, all from the Democratic Party, sent congratulatory messages. Vice Speaker Lee Hak-young also attended. Senior political figures including Chung Dai-chul, chairman of the Constitutional Government Memorial Association, Lee Jong-chan, president of the Independence Patriots Association, and Cha Sung-soo, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, either attended or sent messages.
Party leadership also participated. Representative Chung Chung-rae mentioned Kim's provincial administration and industrial policies in a video message, while Rep. Kim Young-jin emphasized cooperation on Gyeonggi Province issues. Several lawmakers representing Gyeonggi constituencies, including Rep. Kim Seung-won, attended.
The event featured remarks from Lee Kyung-bok, Kim's former teacher, who reminisced about the governor's student days. Poet Na Tae-joo read a congratulatory poem, and Kim's mother attended to deliver greetings.
Broadcaster Kim Mi-hwa served as emcee. A book talk followed, featuring Seo Yong-joo, director of the Mac Institute for Political and Social Research, and Heo Hwan-joo, a reporter for Pressian, discussing key themes from the book and the direction of provincial governance.
Numerous current and former National Assembly members, heads of local governments in Gyeonggi Province, and provincial council members attended. Organizers described the event as an opportunity to share the administration's vision and policy direction.