Kim Dong-yeon Accepts Defeat: What’s Next for Gyeonggi Province?

Daniel Kim | 2026.04.07

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Candidate Kim Dong-yeon said he accepts the primary results with humility, will treat his shortcomings as an opportunity for reflection and growth, congratulated rival Chu Mi-ae, and pledged to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him on behalf of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the Democratic Party, and the 31 cities and counties of Gyeonggi Province.

On the 7th, Kim posted on his social media (social media): “To the respected residents of Gyeonggi Province and my fellow party members, I humbly accept your decision. I, Kim Dong-yeon, fell short in many respects. I will use this outcome as a chance to reflect and to grow.”

He offered sincere congratulations to Chu Mi-ae and thanked Han Jun-ho for his efforts, saying he hopes Chu’s dedication to the Lee administration and to Gyeonggi Province will bear fruit.

Kim added, “I will take a humbler posture and act with greater urgency. I will carry out every responsibility assigned to me for the Lee administration, for the Democratic Party, and for the 31 cities and counties of Gyeonggi to the end.”

He expressed gratitude to the volunteers who campaigned with him, the supporters who cheered him on, and his fellow party members, writing, “Our journey is not over.”

Finally, he urged continued, steadfast efforts for the success of the Lee administration, for the Democratic Party’s victory, and for the Gyeonggi Province they love, pledging, “I will walk that path with you without faltering.”

Meanwhile, in the primary held from the 5th through the 7th, Chu Mi-ae won a majority of the votes and was selected as the Democratic Party’s candidate for governor of Gyeonggi Province in the June 3 local elections.